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Volume 8
Issue 6
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Nutrients, Volume 8, Issue 6 (June 2016) – 68 articles

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731 KiB  
Article
Association between Body Mass Index and All-Cause Mortality in Hypertensive Adults: Results from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT)
by Wei Yang, Jian-Ping Li, Yan Zhang, Fang-Fang Fan, Xi-Ping Xu, Bin-Yan Wang, Xin Xu, Xian-Hui Qin, Hou-Xun Xing, Gen-Fu Tang, Zi-Yi Zhou, Dong-Feng Gu, Dong Zhao and Yong Huo
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060384 - 22 Jun 2016
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7080
Abstract
The association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and risk of death has been reported in many studies. However, the association between BMI and all-cause mortality for hypertensive Chinese adults remains unclear. We conducted a post-hoc analysis using data from the China Stroke [...] Read more.
The association between elevated body mass index (BMI) and risk of death has been reported in many studies. However, the association between BMI and all-cause mortality for hypertensive Chinese adults remains unclear. We conducted a post-hoc analysis using data from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the significance of the association of BMI with all-cause mortality. During a mean follow-up duration of 4.5 years, 622 deaths (3.0%) occurred among the 20,694 participants aged 45–75 years. A reversed J-shaped relationship was observed between BMI and all-cause mortality. The hazard ratios (HRs) for underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), overweight (24.0–27.9 kg/m2), and obesity (≥28.0 kg/m2) were calculated relative to normal weight (18.5–23.9 kg/m2). The summary HRs were 1.56 (95% CI, 1.11–2.18) for underweight, 0.78 (95% CI 0.64–0.95) for overweight and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.48–0.85) for obesity. In sex-age-specific analyses, participants over 60 years of age had optimal BMI in the obesity classification and the results were consistent in both males and females. Relative to normal weight, underweight was associated with significantly higher mortality. Excessive weight was not associated with increased risk of mortality. Chinese hypertensive adults had the lowest mortality in grade 1 obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)
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<p>Kaplan-Meier curves of cumulative hazards of all-cause mortality stratified by BMI categories (underweight &lt;18.5, normal weight 18.5–23.9, overweight 24.0–27.9, obesity ≥28.0 kg/m<sup>2</sup>). log-rank test, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Hazard ratios for all-cause mortality according to narrower BMI categories. A BMI (in kg/m<sup>2</sup>) of 22.0–23.9 was used as the reference to estimate all HRs. Adjustment for sex, age, center, baseline and on-treatment BP, smoking status, alcohol drinking, education, stress, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, serum creatinine, homocysteine, albumin.</p> Full article ">
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Article
Nutritional Intake and Status of Cobalamin and Folate among Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age in Bhaktapur, Nepal
by Ram K. Chandyo, Manjeswori Ulak, Halvor Sommerfelt, Jørn Schneede, Per M. Ueland and Tor A. Strand
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060375 - 22 Jun 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5706
Abstract
Cobalamin and folate are especially important for women of childbearing age due to their ubiquitous role in fetal growth and development. Population-based data on cobalamin and folate status are lacking from Nepal, where diets are mostly vegetarian. The objectives of the study were [...] Read more.
Cobalamin and folate are especially important for women of childbearing age due to their ubiquitous role in fetal growth and development. Population-based data on cobalamin and folate status are lacking from Nepal, where diets are mostly vegetarian. The objectives of the study were to investigate cobalamin and folate intake and status, and to explore associations with socio-demographics, anthropometrics, anemia, and dietary habits. Following a random selection of geographical clusters, we collected blood samples from 500 non-pregnant women and 24-h dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires from a subsample of 379 women. Twenty percent of the women did not consume any food containing cobalamin during the days recalled, and in 72% nutritional cobalamin intake was <1 μg/day. Eighty-four percent of the women had cobalamin intake lower than the estimated average requirement (EAR) (<2 μg/day). In contrast, only 12% of the women had a folate intake less than 100 μg per day, whereas 62% had intake between 100 and 320 μg. Low plasma cobalamin (<150 pmol/L) was found in 42% of the women, most of whom (88%) also had elevated levels of methylmalonic acid. Our results indicated a high prevalence of nutritional cobalamin deficiency, while folate deficiency was uncommon. Full article
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<p>Selection procedure and study profile of a study evaluating cobalamin and folate status in Bhaktapur, Nepal.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Relation between total homocysteine (tHcy) and plasma cobalamin concentration among non-pregnant women in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The vertical lines on the x-axis represent the number of subjects and the shaded area represents 95% confidence interval (CI) of the homocysteine concentration.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Relationship between methylamalonic acid and plasma cobalamin concentration among non-pregnant women in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The vertical lines on the x-axis represent the number of subjects and the shaded area represents 95% confidence interval (CI) of the methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentration.</p> Full article ">
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Article
Mother and Infant Body Mass Index, Breast Milk Leptin and Their Serum Leptin Values
by Francesco Savino, Allegra Sardo, Lorenza Rossi, Stefania Benetti, Andrea Savino and Leandra Silvestro
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060383 - 21 Jun 2016
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 7218
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates correlations between mother and infant Body Mass Index (BMI), their serum leptin values and breast milk leptin concentration in early infancy. Subjects and Methods: We determined serum leptin values in 58 healthy infants and leptin values in their mothers’ [...] Read more.
Purpose: This study investigates correlations between mother and infant Body Mass Index (BMI), their serum leptin values and breast milk leptin concentration in early infancy. Subjects and Methods: We determined serum leptin values in 58 healthy infants and leptin values in their mothers’ breast milk, using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Infant and maternal anthropometrics were measured. Results: Median leptin concentration was 3.9 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 2.75) in infant serum, 4.27 ng/mL (IQR: 5.62) in maternal serum and 0.89 ng/mL (IQR: 1.32) in breast milk. Median maternal BMI and weight were 24 kg/m2 (IQR: 4.41) and 64 kg (IQR: 15). Median infant BMI was 15.80 kg/cm2 (IQR: 4.02), while average weight was 5.130 kg (IQR: 1.627). Infants serum leptin values positively correlated with infants’ BMI (p = 0.001; r = 0.213) and breast milk leptin (p = 0.03; r = 0.285). Maternal serum leptin values positively correlated with maternal BMI (p = 0.000, r = 0.449) and breast milk leptin ones (p = 0.026; r = 0.322). Conclusion: Breast milk leptin and maternal BMI could influence infant serum leptin values. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the role of genetics and environment on infant leptin production and risk of obesity later in life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolically Healthy Obesity)
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<p>Correlation between infant serum leptin values and infant Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight. (<b>a</b>) Association between serum leptin values and BMI; (<b>b</b>) Association between serum leptin values and weight.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Correlation between maternal BMI and maternal serum leptin and breast milk leptin. (<b>a</b>) Association between maternal BMI and maternal serum leptin values; (<b>b</b>) Association between maternal BMI and breast milk leptin.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Correlation between maternal serum leptin and breast milk leptin.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Correlation between breast milk leptin and infant serum leptin values.</p> Full article ">
228 KiB  
Article
Effect of Improving Dietary Quality on Arterial Stiffness in Subjects with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A 12 Months Randomised Controlled Trial
by Kristina S. Petersen, Peter M. Clifton, Natalie Lister and Jennifer B. Keogh
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060382 - 21 Jun 2016
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4909
Abstract
People with diabetes have accelerated arterial stiffening. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing fruit, vegetable and dairy intake for 12 months on carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx), and central blood pressure (cBP), compared [...] Read more.
People with diabetes have accelerated arterial stiffening. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing fruit, vegetable and dairy intake for 12 months on carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx), and central blood pressure (cBP), compared to a usual diet control, in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In a 12 months randomised controlled trial, cfPWV, AIx and cBP were measured every 3 months. The intervention group received dietary counselling to increase consumption of fruit (+1 serving/day; 150 g/day), vegetables (+2 servings/day; 150 g/day) and dairy (+1 serving/day; 200–250 g/day) at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. The control group continued on their usual diet. One hundred and nine participants were randomised and 92 (intervention n = 45; control n = 47) completed. At 3 months, fruit (184 g/day; p = 0.001) and dairy (83 g/day; p = 0.037) intake increased in the intervention group compared with the control group but this increase was not maintained at 12 months. After adjustment for baseline measurements there was no time by treatment effect for central systolic or diastolic BP, AIx or cfPWV. A time effect existed for AIx which modestly increased over time. Peripheral diastolic BP and central pulse pressure were improved in the intervention group compared with the control group at 12 months. In the cohort with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, improving dietary quality by increasing consumption of fruit, vegetables and dairy did not improve cBP, AIx or cfPWV, compared with a control group continuing on their usual diet, after 12 months. Full article
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Article
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spirulina platensis Extract via the Modulation of Histone Deacetylases
by Tho X. Pham, Young-Ki Park and Ji-Young Lee
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060381 - 21 Jun 2016
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7065
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the organic extract of Spirulina platensis (SPE), an edible blue-green alga, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated if the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of SPE in macrophages. Treatment [...] Read more.
We previously demonstrated that the organic extract of Spirulina platensis (SPE), an edible blue-green alga, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated if the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect of SPE in macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with SPE rapidly and dose-dependently reduced HDAC2, 3, and 4 proteins which preceded decreases in their mRNA levels. Degradation of HDAC4 protein was attenuated in the presence of inhibitors of calpain proteases, lysosomal acidification, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, respectively, but not a proteasome inhibitor. Acetylated histone H3 was increased in SPE-treated macrophages to a similar level as macrophages treated with a pan-HDAC inhibitor, with concomitant inhibition of inflammatory gene expression upon LPS stimulation. Knockdown of HDAC3 increased basal and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression, while HDAC4 knockdown increased basal expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), but attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that SPE decreased p65 binding and H3K9/K14 acetylation at the Il-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfα) promoters. Our results suggest that SPE increased global histone H3 acetylation by facilitating HDAC protein degradation, but decreases histone H3K9/K14 acetylation and p65 binding at the promoters of Il-1β and Tnfα to exert its anti-inflammatory effect. Full article
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<p><span class="html-italic">Spirulina platensis</span> (SPE) reduce histone deacetylase (HDAC) mRNA expression and protein in a time and dose dependent manner in RAW 264.7 macrophages. (<b>A</b>) mRNA expression of HDACs in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 100 μg/mL of SPE for indicated amount of hours. <span class="html-italic">N</span> = 3, value = mean ± SEM * indicates significantly different from control (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05); (<b>B</b>) Western blot time course and (<b>C</b>) dose-response of HDACs in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 100 μg/mL of SPE for indicated amount of time or varying SPE concentrations. A represented blot of three independent experiments is shown.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>SPE reduced HDAC proteins in a dose and time-dependent manner in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). (<b>A</b>) Western blot analysis of HDAC2, 3, and 4 in BMDM treated with 100 μg/mL of SPE for indicated amount of time; (<b>B</b>) Western blot analysis of HDAC2, 3, and 4 in BMDM treated with indicated concentration of SPE for 3 h. A representative blot of 2–3 experiments is shown.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Lysosomal and calpain-mediated degradation of HDAC4 by SPE. (<b>A</b>) Western blot analysis of HDAC4 in RAW 264.7 macrophages pretreated with 10 μg/mL of MG-132 (top), or 50 μM of chloroquine (bottom) for 1 h and then treated with 25 μg/mL of SPE in the presence of inhibitors; (<b>B</b>) Western blot analysis of HDAC4 in RAW 264.7 macrophages pretreated with calpeptin (10 μg/mL) for 1 h and then treated with 25 μg/mL of SPE in the presence of inhibitors; (<b>C</b>) Western blot analysis of HDAC4 in RAW 264.7 macrophages pretreated with CAMKII inhibitor KN-93 at the concentration of 5 μM for 1 h and then treated with 25 μg/mL of SPE in the presence of inhibitors. A represented blot of three independent experiments is shown.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>SPE increase acetylated histone H3 similarly to tricostatin A (TSA). (<b>A</b>) Western blot analysis of acetylated histone H3K9 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cells were pretreated with vehicle control (0.5% DMSO), 50 or 100 μg/mL of SPE for 12 h. The cells were then treated with vehicle control (0.5% DMSO), 25 nM TSA, 100 nM TSA, 50 or 100 μg/mL of SPE for 18 h; Blot image (top) and quantification (bottom) (<b>B</b>) mRNA expression of histone acetyltransferase p300 and GCN5 in RAW 264.7 macrophages pretreated with vehicle control (0.5% DMSO), or 100 μg/mL of SPE for 12 h and then stimulated with 100 ng/mL LPS for 18 h; <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3 (<b>C</b>) mRNA expression of inflammatory genes in RAW 264.7 macrophages pretreated with vehicle control (0.5% DMSO), 25 nM TSA, 50, or 100 μg/mL of SPE for 12 h. Cells were then treated with vehicle control, 25 nM TSA, 50 or 100 μg/mL SPE alone or in combination with 100 ng/mL of LPS for 18 h. Different letters indicate significantly different (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05). Mean ± SEM, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3. Bars with different letters are significantly different (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Effects of HDAC3 and 4 knockdown on LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. RAW 264.7 macrophages were transfected with scrambled control, siRNA against HDAC3 or HDAC4 for 24 h and then cells were stimulated with or without 100 ng/mL of LPS for 3 h for subsequent gene expression qRT-PCR. (<b>A</b>) Percent knockdown of HDAC3 (top left), expression of IL-1β (top right), expression of IL-6 (bottom left), and expression of TNFα (bottom right); (<b>B</b>) Percent knockdown of HDAC4 (top left), expression of IL-1β (top right), expression of IL-6 (bottom left), and expression of TNFα (bottom right). ). <sup>#</sup> indicates significantly different from scrambled control (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05); * indicates significantly different from scrambled control + LPS (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Chromatin Immunoprecipitation of p65 and H3K9/K14 at the promoter of inflammatory genes. ChIP of RAW 264.7 macrophages pretreated with 100 μg/mL of SPE for 12 h and then stimulated with 100 ng/mL of LPS for an additional 18 h in the presence of SPE. ChIP DNA was obtained by immunoprecipitation of p65 (left) and histone H3K9 (right) and quantified by qPCR with primers at the (<b>A</b>) IL-1β promoter and (<b>B</b>) TNFα promoter.</p> Full article ">
3842 KiB  
Article
Amino Acid and Biogenic Amine Profile Deviations in an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A Comparison between Healthy and Hyperlipidaemia Individuals Based on Targeted Metabolomics
by Qi Li, Wenbo Gu, Xuan Ma, Yuxin Liu, Lidan Jiang, Rennan Feng and Liyan Liu
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060379 - 21 Jun 2016
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6051
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is characterized by a disturbance in lipid metabolism and is a primary risk factor for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the changes [...] Read more.
Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is characterized by a disturbance in lipid metabolism and is a primary risk factor for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the changes in postprandial amino acid and biogenic amine profiles provoked by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in HLP patients using targeted metabolomics. We used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to analyze the serum amino acid and biogenic amine profiles of 35 control and 35 HLP subjects during an OGTT. The amino acid and biogenic amine profiles from 30 HLP subjects were detected as independent samples to validate the changes in the metabolites. There were differences in the amino acid and biogenic amine profiles between the HLP individuals and the healthy controls at baseline and after the OGTT. The per cent changes of 13 metabolites from fasting to the 2 h samples during the OGTT in the HLP patients were significantly different from those of the healthy controls. The lipid parameters were associated with the changes in valine, isoleucine, creatine, creatinine, dimethylglycine, asparagine, serine, and tyrosine (all p < 0.05) during the OGTT in the HLP group. The postprandial changes in isoleucine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during the OGTT were positively associated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; all p < 0.05) in the HLP group. Elevated oxidative stress and disordered energy metabolism during OGTTs are important characteristics of metabolic perturbations in HLP. Our findings offer new insights into the complex physiological regulation of metabolism during the OGTT in HLP. Full article
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<p>PCA (<b>A</b>) and PLS-DA (<b>B</b>) scores plot generated from serum samples data sets of the HLP and the healthy control groups. Squares (black), healthy control; Circles (red), HLP. Pprincipal component analysis (PCA), Partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Fold change and significance of metabolite change during an oral glucose challenge in the control (<b>A</b>) and the HLP (<b>B</b>) groups. Dots represent the 32 metabolites detected in serum. Change is with respect to the fasting metabolite levels. Significant (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) changes are colored red. Fold changes and percent changes for the metabolites (X) detected by UPLC-TQ-MS were calculated as follows: X<sub>Fold change</sub> = (X<sub>Concentration at 120 min</sub>/X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>(<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) Fourteen significant metabolites concentrations (Mean ± SD) in control group between the fasting (Blue) and post-challenge (Orange); (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) Fifteen significant metabolites concentrations (Mean ± SD) in control group between the fasting (Blue) and post-challenge (Orange). * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, compared with the control group using the paired <span class="html-italic">t</span> test.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Percent change of metabolites from fasting to 2-h samples during an OGTT in the control (Blue) and HLP groups (Red). Percent changes for the metabolites (X) detected by UPLC-TQ-MS were calculated as follows: X<sub>Percent change</sub> = (X<sub>Concentration at different time (120)</sub> − X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>)/(X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>). * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, compared with the control group using student’s <span class="html-italic">t</span> test.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Percent changes of metabolites from fasting to 2-h samples during an OGTT between female (<b>A</b>) and male (<b>B</b>) in the control (Orange) and HLP groups (Purple). Percent changes for the metabolites (X) detected by UPLC-TQ-MS were calculated as follows: X<sub>Percent change</sub> = (X<sub>Concentration at different time (120)</sub> − X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>)/(X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>). * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, compared with the control group using student’s <span class="html-italic">t</span> test.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Percent changes of metabolites from fasting to 2-h samples during an OGTT between subjects with IR (Purple) and without IR (Green) in the HLP group. Percent changes for the metabolites (X) detected by UPLC-TQ-MS were calculated as follows: X<sub>Percent change</sub> = (X<sub>Concentration at different time (120)</sub> − X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>)/(X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>). * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, compared with the control group using student’s <span class="html-italic">t</span> test.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Validation of metabolite changes at the 2-h time point. In total, 13 metabolites that changed significantly in the test study (<a href="#nutrients-08-00379-f004" class="html-fig">Figure 4</a>) replicated (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) in the validation study. Dots correspond to the median fold change of metabolites at the 2-h time point. Fold changes for the metabolites (X) detected by UPLC-TQ-MS were calculated as follows: X<sub>Fold change</sub> = (X<sub>Concentration at 120 min</sub>/X<sub>Concentration at baseline</sub>). The arrows indicate the metabolisms in the test and validation set.</p> Full article ">
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Article
Evaluation of Palm Oil as a Suitable Vegetable Oil for Vitamin A Fortification Programs
by Marc Pignitter, Natalie Hernler, Mathias Zaunschirm, Julia Kienesberger, Mark Manuel Somoza, Klaus Kraemer and Veronika Somoza
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060378 - 21 Jun 2016
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8334
Abstract
Fortification programs are considered to be an effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency in populations at risk. Fortified vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids were shown to be prone to oxidation, leading to limited vitamin A stability. Thus, it was hypothesized [...] Read more.
Fortification programs are considered to be an effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency in populations at risk. Fortified vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids were shown to be prone to oxidation, leading to limited vitamin A stability. Thus, it was hypothesized that fortified oils consisting of mainly saturated fatty acids might enhance the stability of vitamin A. Mildly (peroxide value: 1.0 meq O2/kg) and highly (peroxide value: 7.5 meq O2/kg) oxidized palm oil was stored, after fortification with 60 International Units/g retinyl palmitate, in 0.5 L transparent polyethylene terephthalate bottles under cold fluorescent lighting (12 h/day) at 32 °C for 57 days. An increase of the peroxide value by 15 meq O2/kg, which was also reflected by a decrease of α-tocopherol congener by 15%–18%, was determined independent of the initial rancidity. The oxidative deterioration of the highly oxidized palm oil during storage was correlated with a significant 46% decline of the vitamin A content. However, household storage of mildly oxidized palm oil for two months did not induce any losses of vitamin A. Thus, mildly oxidized palm oil may be recommended for vitamin A fortification programs, when other sources of essential fatty acids are available. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin A Update 2016)
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<p>Study design. Four bottles filled with mildly (peroxide value (POV) &lt; 2 meq O<sub>2</sub>/kg) or highly (POV &gt; 5 meq O<sub>2</sub>/kg) oxidized palm oil, either fortified or not with 60 International Units (IU)/kg retinyl palmitate (RP), were stored under household-representative conditions under cold fluorescent light for 12 h per day at 32 °C for 57 days. Samples (40 mL) were withdrawn on a weekly basis, while samples from day 1, 8, 15, 29, and 57 were used for analyses.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>POV of mildly (<b>A</b>) and highly (<b>B</b>) oxidized palm oil and hexanal formation in mildly (<b>C</b>) and highly (<b>D</b>) oxidized palm oil in the presence or absence of RP after household-representative storage for up to 57 days. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 4). Asterisks (*) indicate a statistically significant difference <span class="html-italic">vs.</span> day 1 (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Decrease of α- and γ-tocopherol in mildly (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) and highly (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) oxidized palm oil either fortified (<b>B</b>,<b>D</b>) or not (<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>) with retinyl palmitate (RP) after household-representative storage for up to 57 days. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 4). Asterisks (*) indicate a statistically significant difference <span class="html-italic">vs.</span> day 1 (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Correlation between the POV and the tocopherol content in mildly (<b>A</b>) and highly (<b>B</b>) oxidized palm oil stored under household-representative conditions in the presence of RP for 57 days.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Vitamin A stability in mildly and highly oxidized palm oil stored under household-representative conditions for up to 57 days. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 4). Asterisks (*) indicate a statistically significant difference <span class="html-italic">vs.</span> day 1 (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Correlation between the retinol concentration and the total tocopherol content (<b>A</b>) and the POV (<b>B</b>) in highly oxidized palm oil stored under household-representative conditions in the presence of RP for 57 days.</p> Full article ">
261 KiB  
Review
Dietary Recommendations for Cyclists during Altitude Training
by Małgorzata Michalczyk, Miłosz Czuba, Grzegorz Zydek, Adam Zając and Józef Langfort
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060377 - 18 Jun 2016
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 15589
Abstract
The concept of altitude or hypoxic training is a common practice in cycling. However, several strategies for training regimens have been proposed, like “live high, train high” (LH-TH), “live high, train low” (LH-TL) or “intermittent hypoxic training” (IHT). Each of them combines the [...] Read more.
The concept of altitude or hypoxic training is a common practice in cycling. However, several strategies for training regimens have been proposed, like “live high, train high” (LH-TH), “live high, train low” (LH-TL) or “intermittent hypoxic training” (IHT). Each of them combines the effect of acclimatization and different training protocols that require specific nutrition. An appropriate nutrition strategy and adequate hydration can help athletes achieve their fitness and performance goals in this unfriendly environment. In this review, the physiological stress of altitude exposure and training will be discussed, with specific nutrition recommendations for athletes training under such conditions. However, there is little research about the nutrition demands of athletes who train at moderate altitude. Our review considers energetic demands and body mass or body composition changes due to altitude training, including respiratory and urinary water loss under these conditions. Carbohydrate intake recommendations and hydration status are discussed in detail, while iron storage and metabolism is also considered. Last, but not least the risk of increased oxidative stress under hypoxic conditions and antioxidant supplementation suggestions are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Health and Athletic Performance)
1336 KiB  
Review
Osteoporosis: Modern Paradigms for Last Century’s Bones
by Marlena C. Kruger and Frances M. Wolber
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060376 - 17 Jun 2016
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 10061
Abstract
The skeleton is a metabolically active organ undergoing continuously remodelling. With ageing and menopause the balance shifts to increased resorption, leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Bone mass accretion and bone metabolism are influenced by systemic [...] Read more.
The skeleton is a metabolically active organ undergoing continuously remodelling. With ageing and menopause the balance shifts to increased resorption, leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Bone mass accretion and bone metabolism are influenced by systemic hormones as well as genetic and lifestyle factors. The classic paradigm has described osteoporosis as being a “brittle bone” disease that occurs in post-menopausal, thin, Caucasian women with low calcium intakes and/or vitamin D insufficiency. However, a study of black women in Africa demonstrated that higher proportions of body fat did not protect bone health. Isoflavone interventions in Asian postmenopausal women have produced inconsistent bone health benefits, due in part to population heterogeneity in enteric bacterial metabolism of daidzein. A comparison of women and men in several Asian countries identified significant differences between countries in the rate of bone health decline, and a high incidence rate of osteoporosis in both sexes. These studies have revealed significant differences in genetic phenotypes, debunking long-held beliefs and leading to new paradigms in study design. Current studies are now being specifically designed to assess genotype differences between Caucasian, Asian, African, and other phenotypes, and exploring alternative methodology to measure bone architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 2015 Joint Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and Nutrition Society of Australia)
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<p>Mean T-scores by age group of a total of 598,757 women in Asia. Data are shown as mean ± SEM ofseven countries (Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines). Dotted horizontal lines depict T-score cut-offs for osteopenia (−1.5) and osteoporosis (−2.5). Figure republished with permission [<a href="#B9-nutrients-08-00376" class="html-bibr">9</a>].</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Mean T-scores by age group of men in Singapore (N = 6563), Taiwan (N = 6714), Thailand (N = 3150), Vietnam (N = 35,320), Malaysia (M = 59,458), Indonesia (N = 36,594), and the Philippines (N = 25,527) [<a href="#B16-nutrients-08-00376" class="html-bibr">16</a>]. Dotted horizontal lines indicate osteopenia (−1.5) and osteoporosis (−2.5).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Non-traumatic fracture incidence (per 100 people) of hip, vertebral, and other bones for women versus men aged 50+ in select countries in 2010. Graph compiled from data published in Wade <span class="html-italic">et al</span>. [<a href="#B6-nutrients-08-00376" class="html-bibr">6</a>].</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Effect of calcium delivery mode. Graphs depict the response 0–6 hours after the oral intake of 1000 mg calcium salt versus 1000 mg calcium in milk on (<b>A</b>) serum calcium and (<b>B</b>) serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). Reprinted with permission [<a href="#B74-nutrients-08-00376" class="html-bibr">74</a>].</p> Full article ">
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Article
25(OH)D Status of Elite Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury Relative to Lifestyle Factors
by Kelly Pritchett, Robert Pritchett, Dana Ogan, Phil Bishop, Elizabeth Broad and Melissa LaCroix
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060374 - 17 Jun 2016
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6277
Abstract
Background: Due to the potential negative impact of low Vitamin D status on performance-related factors and the higher risk of low Vitamin D status in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) population, research is warranted to determine whether elite athletes with SCI have sufficient 25(OH)D [...] Read more.
Background: Due to the potential negative impact of low Vitamin D status on performance-related factors and the higher risk of low Vitamin D status in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) population, research is warranted to determine whether elite athletes with SCI have sufficient 25(OH)D levels. The purposes of this study were to examine: (1) the seasonal proportion of vitamin D insufficiency among elite athletes with SCI; and (2) to determine whether lifestyle factors, SCI lesion level, and muscle performance/function are related to vitamin D status in athletes with SCI. Methods: Thirty-nine members of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, and the US Olympic Committee Paralympic program from outdoor and indoor sports were recruited for this study. Dietary and lifestyle factors, and serum 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed during the autumn (October) and winter (February/March). An independent t-test was used to assess differences in 25(OH)D status among seasons, and indoor and outdoor sports in the autumn and winter, respectively. Results: Mean ± SD serum 25(OH)D concentration was 69.6 ± 19.7 nmol/L (range from 30 to 107.3 nmol/L) and 67.4 ± 25.5 nmol/L (range from 20 to 117.3 nmol/L)in the autumn and winter, respectively. In the autumn, 15.4% of participants were considered vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) whereas 51.3% had 25(OH)D concentrations that would be considered insufficient (<80 nmol/L). In the winter, 15.4% were deficient while 41% of all participants were considered vitamin D insufficient. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of elite athletes with SCI have insufficient (41%–51%) and deficient (15.4%) 25(OH)D status in the autumn and winter. Furthermore, a seasonal decline in vitamin D status was not observed in the current study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Health and Athletic Performance)
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Article
The Association between Total Protein and Vegetable Protein Intake and Low Muscle Mass among the Community-Dwelling Elderly Population in Northern Taiwan
by Ru-Yi Huang, Kuen-Cheh Yang, Hao-Hsiang Chang, Long-Teng Lee, Chia-Wen Lu and Kuo-Chin Huang
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060373 - 17 Jun 2016
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9413
Abstract
Sarcopenia, highly linked with fall, frailty, and disease burden, is an emerging problem in aging society. Higher protein intake has been suggested to maintain nitrogen balance. Our objective was to investigate whether pre-sarcopenia status was associated with lower protein intake. A total of [...] Read more.
Sarcopenia, highly linked with fall, frailty, and disease burden, is an emerging problem in aging society. Higher protein intake has been suggested to maintain nitrogen balance. Our objective was to investigate whether pre-sarcopenia status was associated with lower protein intake. A total of 327 community-dwelling elderly people were recruited for a cross-sectional study. We adopted the multivariate nutrient density model to identify associations between low muscle mass and dietary protein intake. The general linear regression models were applied to estimate skeletal muscle mass index across the quartiles of total protein and vegetable protein density. Participants with diets in the lowest quartile of total protein density (<13.2%) were at a higher risk for low muscle mass (odds ratio (OR) 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–6.72) than those with diets in the highest quartile (≥17.2%). Similarly, participants with diets in the lowest quartile of vegetable protein density (<5.8%) were at a higher risk for low muscle mass (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.14–4.83) than those with diets in the highest quartile (≥9.4%). Furthermore, the estimated skeletal muscle mass index increased significantly across the quartiles of total protein density (p = 0.023) and vegetable protein density (p = 0.025). Increasing daily intakes of total protein and vegetable protein densities appears to confer protection against pre-sarcopenia status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropometry, Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Populations)
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<p>The adjusted least square (LS) means with 95% CI of total protein density and vegetable protein density the between low muscle mass (LMM) and normal groups.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The adjusted least square (LS) means with 95% CI for skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) among the different quartiles of total protein density (<b>A</b>) and vegetable protein density (<b>B</b>).</p> Full article ">
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Article
Effectiveness of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Based Lipid Emulsions for Treatment of Patients after Hepatectomy: A Prospective Clinical Trial
by Yuanfeng Gong, Zhaohui Liu, Yadi Liao, Cong Mai, Tiejun Chen, Hui Tang and Yunqiang Tang
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060357 - 17 Jun 2016
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5261
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parenteral nutritional support with ω-3 PUFAs–based lipid emulsions in patients after liver resection. Methods: A total of 119 patients were randomly assigned to the immunonutrition (IM) group (n = 59) and control [...] Read more.
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parenteral nutritional support with ω-3 PUFAs–based lipid emulsions in patients after liver resection. Methods: A total of 119 patients were randomly assigned to the immunonutrition (IM) group (n = 59) and control group (n = 60). The IM group was continuously given Omegaven® 10% 100 mL/day rather than regular nutrition for five days postoperatively. Venous blood samples were obtained from all subjects before surgery and D1, D3 and D7 after surgery. Results: No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics of the two groups. On D1 after surgery, no statistically significant differences were observed in the blood sample tests between the two groups. On D3 after surgery, the levels of white blood cell count (WBC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBil) were dramatically decreased in the IM group (t = 3.065, p = 0.003; t = 2.149, p = 0.034; t = 5.313, p= 0.001; and t = 2.419, p = 0.017, respectively). Furthermore, on D7 after surgery, not only could a significant decrease be observed in the IM group concerning the levels of WBC, ALT and TBil (t = 3.025, p = 0.003; t = 2.094, p = 0.038; and t = 2.046, p = 0.043, respectively), but it was also seen in the level of Δprothrombintime (PT) (t = 2.450, p = 0.016). An increase in the level of prealbumin (Pre-Alb) in the IM group was observed on D7 after surgery (t = 2.237, p = 0.027). The frequency of total complications in the IM group were significantly lower than in the control group (χ2 = 4.225, p = 0.040 and χ2 = 3.174, p = 0.075). The trend favored the IM group in reducing the total infective complications rate (χ2 = 3.174, p = 0.075). A significant decrease in the duration of the hospital stay after surgery was also observed in the IM group (t = 2.012, p = 0.047).Conclusion: ω-3 PUFAs–based lipid emulsions for treatment of patients after hepatectomy are safe and effective in controlling inflammation, protecting liver function, and consequently reducing the rate of total complications and the duration of the hospital stay. Full article
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Letter
Age and Alzheimer’s Disease
by Bernard Meunier
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060372 - 16 Jun 2016
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4744
Abstract
A recent review article published in Nutrients by Brewer [1] attracted the attention of the readers on the role of copper toxicity as major factor in Alzheimer’s disease.[...] Full article
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<p>The risk of sporadic AD increases when life expectancy increases.</p> Full article ">
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Article
The Tanita SC-240 to Assess Body Composition in Pre-School Children: An Evaluation against the Three Component Model
by Christine Delisle Nyström, Pontus Henriksson, Christina Alexandrou and Marie Löf
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060371 - 16 Jun 2016
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6766
Abstract
Quick, easy-to-use, and valid body composition measurement options for young children are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of the bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, Tanita SC-240, to measure fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and body fatness (BF%) in 40 healthy, Swedish [...] Read more.
Quick, easy-to-use, and valid body composition measurement options for young children are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of the bioelectrical impedance (BIA) device, Tanita SC-240, to measure fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and body fatness (BF%) in 40 healthy, Swedish 5.5 years old children against the three component model (3C model). Average BF%, FM, and FFM for BIA were: 19.4% ± 3.9%, 4.1 ± 1.9 kg, and 16.4 ± 2.4 kg and were all significantly different (p < 0.001) from corresponding values for the 3C model (25.1% ± 5.5%, 5.3 ± 2.5 kg, and 15.2 ± 2.0 kg). Bland and Altman plots had wide limits of agreement for all body composition variables. Significant correlations ranging from 0.81 to 0.96 (p < 0.001) were found for BF%, FM, and FFM between BIA and the 3C model. When dividing the children into tertiles for BF%, 60% of children were classified correctly by means of BIA. In conclusion, the Tanita SC-240 underestimated BF% in comparison to the 3C model and had wide limits of agreement. Further work is needed in order to find accurate and easy-to-use methods for assessing body composition in pre-school children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropometry, Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Healthy Populations)
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<p>Bland and Altman plots comparing (<b>a</b>) body fat percentage (BF%) using BIA and the three component model (3C model) (mean difference: −5.7%, limits of agreement (2SD): 6.6%); (<b>b</b>) fat mass (FM) (kg) using BIA and the 3C model and (mean difference: −1.2 kg, limits of agreement (2SD): 1.8 kg) and (<b>c</b>) fat free mass (FFM) (kg) using BIA and the 3C model (mean difference: 1.2 kg, limits of agreement (2SD): 1.7 kg) in 40 healthy 5.5 years old children. The dotted line is the regression line. Regression lines: (<b>a</b>) <span class="html-italic">y</span> = 2.638 − 0.376<span class="html-italic">x</span> (<span class="html-italic">r</span> = −0.513, <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.001); (<b>b</b>) <span class="html-italic">y</span> = 0.109 − 0.280<span class="html-italic">x</span> (<span class="html-italic">r</span> = −0.705, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001), and (<b>c</b>) <span class="html-italic">y</span> = −1.495 + 0.172<span class="html-italic">x</span> (<span class="html-italic">r</span> = 0.432, <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.005).</p> Full article ">Figure 1 Cont.
<p>Bland and Altman plots comparing (<b>a</b>) body fat percentage (BF%) using BIA and the three component model (3C model) (mean difference: −5.7%, limits of agreement (2SD): 6.6%); (<b>b</b>) fat mass (FM) (kg) using BIA and the 3C model and (mean difference: −1.2 kg, limits of agreement (2SD): 1.8 kg) and (<b>c</b>) fat free mass (FFM) (kg) using BIA and the 3C model (mean difference: 1.2 kg, limits of agreement (2SD): 1.7 kg) in 40 healthy 5.5 years old children. The dotted line is the regression line. Regression lines: (<b>a</b>) <span class="html-italic">y</span> = 2.638 − 0.376<span class="html-italic">x</span> (<span class="html-italic">r</span> = −0.513, <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.001); (<b>b</b>) <span class="html-italic">y</span> = 0.109 − 0.280<span class="html-italic">x</span> (<span class="html-italic">r</span> = −0.705, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001), and (<b>c</b>) <span class="html-italic">y</span> = −1.495 + 0.172<span class="html-italic">x</span> (<span class="html-italic">r</span> = 0.432, <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.005).</p> Full article ">
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Article
Fermented Red Ginseng Potentiates Improvement of Metabolic Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Rat Models
by Min Chul Kho, Yun Jung Lee, Ji Hun Park, Hye Yoom Kim, Jung Joo Yoon, You Mee Ahn, Rui Tan, Min Cheol Park, Jeong Dan Cha, Kyung Min Choi, Dae Gill Kang and Ho Sub Lee
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060369 - 16 Jun 2016
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7337
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome including obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension is a cluster of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Fermentation of medicinal herbs improves their pharmacological efficacy. Red ginseng (RG), a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Aim in the [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome including obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension is a cluster of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Fermentation of medicinal herbs improves their pharmacological efficacy. Red ginseng (RG), a widely used traditional herbal medicine, was reported with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Aim in the present study was to investigate that the effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) on a high-fructose (HF) diet induced metabolic disorders, and those effects were compared to RG and losartan. Animals were divided into four groups: a control group fed a regular diet and tap water, and fructose groups that were fed a 60% high-fructose (HF) diet with/without RG 250 mg/kg/day or FRG 250 mg/kg/day for eight weeks, respectively. Treatment with FRG significantly suppressed the increments of body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight and adipocyte size. Moreover, FRG significantly prevented the development of metabolic disturbances such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Staining with Oil-red-o demonstrated a marked increase of hepatic accumulation of triglycerides, and this increase was prevented by FRG. FRG ameliorated endothelial dysfunction by downregulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and adhesion molecules in the aorta. In addition, FRG induced markedly upregulation of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) in the muscle. These results indicate that FRG ameliorates obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and fatty liver in HF diet rats. More favorable pharmacological effects on HF diet induced metabolic disorders were observed with FRG, compared to an equal dose of RG. These results showed that the pharmacological activity of RG was enhanced by fermentation. Taken together, fermentated red ginseng might be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Metabolic Dysfunction)
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<p>Effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) on adipocytes on high fructose (HF) diet rats. Representative microscopic photographs of hematoxylin and eosin (H &amp; E) stained sections of epididymal fat pads in HF diet rats. The lower panels indicated the size of adipose cells (magnification ×400). Scale bar shows 50 μm. (<b>a</b>) control; (<b>b</b>) HF; (<b>c</b>) HF + Losartan (Los.); (<b>d</b>) HF + RG (red ginseng); (<b>e</b>) HF + FRG (fermented red ginseng). Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Effect of an FRG on oral glucose tolerance tests (<b>A</b>) and the blood glucose area under curve (AUC) (<b>B</b>). Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10). * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>#</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF. Abbreviations: HF, high fructose; HF + Los., high fructose diet with losartan; HF + RG, high fructose diet with red ginseng; HF + FRG, high fructose diet with fermented red ginseng.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Effects of FRG on systolic blood pressure (<b>A</b>) and expression of ET-1 immunoreactivity (<b>B</b>) in aortic tissues of HF diet rats. Representative immunohistochemistry and quantifications are shown. Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10 (<b>A</b>) and <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3 (<b>B</b>). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>#</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Representative microscopic photographs of H &amp; E stained section of the thoracic aorta in HF diet rats. Lower panel indicated length of intima-media. Lower panel indicated the size of adipose cells (magnification ×400). (<b>a</b>) control; (<b>b</b>) HF; (<b>c</b>) HF + Los.; (<b>d</b>) HF + RG; (<b>e</b>) HF + FRG. Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Effects of FRG on ICAM-1 (<b>A</b>) and VCAM-1 (<b>B</b>) immunoreactivity in aortic tissues of HF diet rats. Representative immunohistochemistry and quantifications are shown (magnification ×400. Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>#</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF. Abbreviations: HF, high fructose; HF + Los., high fructose diet with losartan; HF + RG, high fructose diet with Red ginseng; HF + FRG, high fructose diet with fermented Red ginseng.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Effects of FRG on VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectinm and ET-1 immunoreactivity in aortic tissues. Representative western blots of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectinm and ET-1 protein levels are quantifications are shown. Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>#</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Representative microscopic photographs of Oil red O stained sections of the livers in HF diet rats. Representative Oil red O staining and quantifications are shown (magnification ×100). Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>#</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF. (<b>a</b>) control; (<b>b</b>) HF; (<b>c</b>) HF + Los.; (<b>d</b>) HF + RG (red ginseng); (<b>e</b>) HF + FRG (fermented red ginseng).</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Effect of FRG on the expression of IRS-1 and Glut4 in the muscle of HF diet rats. Each electrophoretogram is representative of the results from three individual experiments. Values were expressed as mean ± S.E. (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> Cont.; <sup>##</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> HF. Abbreviations: HF, high fructose; HF + Los., high fructose diet with losartan; HF + RG, high fructose diet with red ginseng; HF + FRG, high fructose diet with fermented red ginseng.</p> Full article ">
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Review
Caloric Restriction as a Strategy to Improve Vascular Dysfunction in Metabolic Disorders
by Concha F. García-Prieto and María S. Fernández-Alfonso
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060370 - 15 Jun 2016
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6920
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) has proved to be the most effective and reproducible dietary intervention to increase healthy lifespan and aging. A reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in obese subjects can be already achieved by a moderate and sustainable weight loss. Since pharmacological [...] Read more.
Caloric restriction (CR) has proved to be the most effective and reproducible dietary intervention to increase healthy lifespan and aging. A reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in obese subjects can be already achieved by a moderate and sustainable weight loss. Since pharmacological approaches for body weight reduction have, at present, a poor long-term efficacy, CR is of great interest in the prevention and/or reduction of CVD associated with obesity. Other dietary strategies changing specific macronutrients, such as altering carbohydrates, protein content or diet glycemic index have been also shown to decrease the progression of CVD in obese patients. In this review, we will focus on the positive effects and possible mechanisms of action of these strategies on vascular dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Metabolic Dysfunction)
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<p>Main mechanisms by which CR exerts CV protection. Reducing the daily caloric intake induces a metabolic reprogramming in both healthy and obese individuals, subsequently leading to CV protection. This includes a reduction in BW and adiposity, thus lessening leptin levels. A decrease in TG and LDL-cholesterol levels together with less oxidative stress and inflammation and an increase in adiponectin levels are some of the main underlying mechanisms described (BW: body weight; CR: caloric restriction; CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; CV: cardiovascular; LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein -cholesterol; TG: triglycerides).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Critical aspects in a CR to achieve the desired effects. Although effects exerted by CR have been widely studied, there is no agreement in how a CR must be in order to prevent CV events. Numerous studies suggest that its severity, duration, starting point, number of phases and composition (<span class="html-italic">i.e.</span>, macronutrient amount) are important aspects to take into account. Modifying all these characteristics in different ways can exert a positive or a negative balance, thus affecting CV risk factors (CR: caloric restriction; CV: cardiovascular).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>CV outcome of CR depends on macronutrient composition of the diet. Both the amount and the quality of each macronutrient of the diet are important in order to achieve positive effects at CV level. A proper balance in macronutrient amount is key to avoid future adverse CV events (BP: blood pressure; CR: caloric restriction; CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; CV: cardiovascular; CVD: cardiovascular disease; IL-6: interleukin 6; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; PAI-1: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1).</p> Full article ">
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Article
Influence of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Weight Gain on Maternal and Foetal Lipid Profile
by Giulia Cinelli, Marta Fabrizi, Lucilla Ravà, Marta Ciofi degli Atti, Pamela Vernocchi, Cristina Vallone, Emanuela Pietrantoni, Rosalba Lanciotti, Fabrizio Signore and Melania Manco
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060368 - 15 Jun 2016
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6145
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental for a foetus’s growth, serving as an energy source, structural constituents of cellular membranes and precursors of bioactive molecules, as well as being essential for cell signalling. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) are pivotal in brain and visual development. [...] Read more.
Fatty acids (FAs) are fundamental for a foetus’s growth, serving as an energy source, structural constituents of cellular membranes and precursors of bioactive molecules, as well as being essential for cell signalling. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) are pivotal in brain and visual development. It is of interest to investigate whether and how specific pregnancy conditions, which alter fatty acid metabolism (excessive pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) or gestational weight gain (GWG)), affect lipid supply to the foetus. For this purpose, we evaluated the erythrocyte FAs of mothers and offspring (cord-blood) at birth, in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG. A total of 435 mothers and their offspring (237 males, 51%) were included in the study. Distribution of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), and their metabolites, arachidonic acid, dihomogamma linoleic (DGLA) and ecosapentanoic acid, was significantly different in maternal and foetal erythrocytes. Pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with maternal percentage of MUFAs (Coeff: −0.112; p = 0.021), LA (Coeff: −0.033; p = 0.044) and DHA (Coeff. = 0.055; p = 0.0016); inadequate GWG with DPA (Coeff: 0.637; p = 0.001); excessive GWG with docosaexahenoic acid (DHA) (Coeff. = −0.714; p = 0.004). Moreover, pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with foetus percentage of PUFAs (Coeff: −0.172; p = 0.009), omega 6 (Coeff: −0.098; p = 0.015) and DHA (Coeff: −0.0285; p = 0.036), even after adjusting for maternal lipids. Our findings show that maternal GWG affects maternal but not foetal lipid profile, differently from pre-pregnancy BMI, which influences both. Full article
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<p>Relationship between maternal and foetal DHA percentage at delivery. Dashed line indicates <span class="html-italic">y</span> = <span class="html-italic">x</span> for “equal maternal and foetal DHA%”. Continuous line indicates the relationship between maternal and foetal DHA%. At delivery, maternal DHA% equals foetal DHA at 3.4%.</p> Full article ">
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Article
Piceatannol and Other Wine Stilbenes: A Pool of Inhibitors against α-Synuclein Aggregation and Cytotoxicity
by Hamza Temsamani, Stéphanie Krisa, Marion Decossas-Mendoza, Olivier Lambert, Jean-Michel Mérillon and Tristan Richard
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060367 - 15 Jun 2016
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6879
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein is one on the key pathogenic events in Parkinson’s disease. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory capacities of stilbenes against α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electronic microscopy, and SDS-PAGE analysis were performed to investigate [...] Read more.
The aggregation of α-synuclein is one on the key pathogenic events in Parkinson’s disease. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory capacities of stilbenes against α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electronic microscopy, and SDS-PAGE analysis were performed to investigate the inhibitory effects of three stilbenes against α-synuclein aggregation: piceatannol, ampelopsin A, and isohopeaphenol. Lipid vesicle permeabilization assays were performed to screen stilbenes for protection against membrane damage induced by aggregated α-synuclein. The viability of PC12 cells was examined using an MTT assay to assess the preventive effects of stilbenes against α-synuclein-induced toxicity. Piceatannol inhibited the formation of α synuclein fibrils and was able to destabilize preformed filaments. It seems to induce the formation of small soluble complexes protecting membranes against α-synuclein-induced damage. Finally, piceatannol protected cells against α-synuclein-induced toxicity. The oligomers tested (ampelopsin A and hopeaphenol) were less active. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Resveratrol Regional Meeting 2015)
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<p>The structure of stilbenes.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Inhibition and destabilization of α-synuclein fibrils by stilbenes: (<b>a</b>) α-synuclein (70 µM) was incubated for 4 days at 37 °C in a 20 mM Na<sub>2</sub>HPO<sub>4</sub>/NaH<sub>2</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> 140 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.4 in a 96-well plate with piceatannol (0, 100, and 200 µM); (<b>b</b>) stilbene screening at 100 µM; (<b>c</b>) piceatannol (0, 100, and 200 µM) was added to previously aggregated fibrils in the aforementioned conditions for 4 days. Data are expressed as mean ± SD of three independent experiments. Results are expressed as mean ± SD* <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> control alone.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Direct transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation of α-synuclein aggregation states: (<b>a</b>) α-synuclein (70 µM in a 20 mM Na<sub>2</sub>HPO<sub>4</sub>/NaH<sub>2</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> 140 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.4) before aggregation; (<b>b</b>) aggregated alone for 4 days at 37 °C; or (<b>c</b>) with 100 µM of piceatannol. To observe fibril destabilization; (<b>d</b>) 100 µM of piceatannol was added to α-synuclein fibrils and then observed after 15 min. Scale bar indicates 300 nm.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>α-synuclein oligomerization followed by SDS-PAGE and Coomassie Blue staining. Centrifugation and analysis of proteins in supernatant and pellet fractions by SDS-PAGE were performed in absence and in presence of piceatannol. Lane 1, proteins alone (70 µM); Lanes 2 and 3, proteins plus piceatannol (100 and 200 µM, respectively).</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Effect of incubation with stilbenes on α-synuclein-induced content leakage from phosphatidyl inositol LUVs: (<b>a</b>) Stilbenes were each incubated at 100 µM with α synuclein. Leakage is expressed as a percentage of the effect induced by the addition of α synuclein aggregated alone; (<b>b</b>) α-synuclein was incubated with 0 µM, 100 µM, or 200 µM of piceatannol. Leakage was recorded for 20 min, and results are expressed as a percentage of total calcein leak induced by the addition of Triton X-100. The phospholipidic solution was 20 µM. α-synuclein was aggregated at 70 µM alone or with stilbenes for 6 days at 37 °C in a 20 mM Na<sub>2</sub>HPO<sub>4</sub>/NaH<sub>2</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> 140 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.4 prior to the experiment. Data are expressed as mean ± SD of 3 independent experiments. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> control alone.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Cytotoxicity of α-synuclein aggregates. Cell viability was determined by using the MTT reduction assay. Results are expressed as the percentage of cell viability compared with the untreated control cells. The addition of 500 nM of aggregated α-synuclein alone on PC12 cells caused a significant loss of viability. Effects of stilbenes on cell viability were studied after the addition of 5 µM, 10 µM, and 30 µM of isohopeaphenol, ampelopsin A, and piceatannol. Results are expressed as mean ± SD * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 <span class="html-italic">versus</span> α-synuclein alone.</p> Full article ">
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Article
Vitamin D Status and Quality of Life in Healthy Male High-Tech Employees
by Sigal Tepper, Yael Dabush, Danit R. Shahar, Ronit Endevelt, Diklah Geva and Sofia Ish-Shalom
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060366 - 15 Jun 2016
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5488
Abstract
While low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with decreased quality of life in unhealthy populations and women, only limited data are available regarding healthy adult men. Our aim was to evaluate the associations between health-related quality of life (QoL) [...] Read more.
While low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with decreased quality of life in unhealthy populations and women, only limited data are available regarding healthy adult men. Our aim was to evaluate the associations between health-related quality of life (QoL) and vitamin D status in adult men. High-tech employees aged 25–65 year were recruited from an occupational periodic examination clinic at Rambam Health Campus. QoL was assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQOL-4). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured; further information was collected about physical activity, education, sun exposure, sick-days, and musculoskeletal pain severity (visual analog scale). Three hundred and fifty-eight men were enrolled in the study; mean serum 25(OH)D level was 22.1 ± 7.9 ng/mL (range 4.6–54.5 ng/mL). In a multivariate logistic regression model, 25(OH)D was a significant independent determinant of self-rated health; Odds Ratio (OR) for self-rated health was 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–0.97, p = 0.004), adjusted for age, BMI, pain severity, physical activity, and sun exposure. Every 1 ng/mL increase of 25(OH)D was associated with 9% reduction in the odds of reporting self-rated health as fair or poor. Poisson regression model demonstrated an association between physically unhealthy days and 25(OH)D levels (rate ratio 0.95, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum levels of 25(OH)D were associated with self-rated health and with physically unhealthy days of HRQOL in healthy high-tech male workers. Future intervention studies are required to test the impact of vitamin D supplementation on QoL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D and Psychological Health—The Sunshine Vitamin and Wellbeing)
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Article
Dietary Pattern Trajectories from 6 to 12 Months of Age in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Cohort
by Geraldine Huini Lim, Jia Ying Toh, Izzuddin M. Aris, Ai-Ru Chia, Wee Meng Han, Seang Mei Saw, Keith M. Godfrey, Peter D. Gluckman, Yap-Seng Chong, Fabian Yap, Yung Seng Lee, Michael S. Kramer and Mary Foong-Fong Chong
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060365 - 15 Jun 2016
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7479
Abstract
Little is known about the dietary patterns of Asian infants in the first year of life, nor of their associations with maternal socio-demographic factors. Based on the Growing Up in Singapore towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother-offspring cohort, cross-sectional dietary patterns were derived by [...] Read more.
Little is known about the dietary patterns of Asian infants in the first year of life, nor of their associations with maternal socio-demographic factors. Based on the Growing Up in Singapore towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother-offspring cohort, cross-sectional dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis using 24-h recalls and food diaries of infants at 6-, 9- and 12-months of age. Dietary pattern trajectories were modeled by mapping similar dietary patterns across each age using multilevel mixed models. Associations with maternal socio-demographic variables, collected through questionnaires during pregnancy, were assessed using general linear models. In n = 486 infants, four dietary pattern trajectories were established from 6- to 12-months. Predominantly breastmilk: mainly breastmilk and less formula milk, Guidelines: rice porridge, vegetables, fruits and low-fat fish and meat, Easy-to-prepare foods: infant cereals, juices, cakes and biscuits and Noodles (in soup) and seafood: noodle and common accompaniments. In adjusted models, higher maternal education attainment was correlated with higher start scores on Predominantly breastmilk, but lowest education attainment increased its adherence over time. Older mothers had higher start scores on Easy-to-prepare foods, but younger mothers had increased adherence over time. Chinese mothers had higher start scores on Predominantly breastmilk but greater adherence to Guidelines over time, while Indian mothers had higher start scores on Easy-to-prepare foods but greater adherence to Predominantly breastmilk with time (p < 0.05 for all). Changes in trajectories over time were small. Hence, dietary patterns established during weaning are strongly influenced by maternal socio-demographic factors and remain stable over the first year of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrients in Infancy)
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<p>Mapping of dietary patterns at age 6, 9 and 12 months to trajectories. Only foods with loadings ≥±0.30 are shown in the figure. A full list of food items and their loadings are provided in <a href="#app1-nutrients-08-00365" class="html-app">Supplementary Materials</a>. <sup>a</sup> Includes rice, wheat and oat baby cereals; <sup>b</sup> Includes white and whole wheat breads, breads with fillings or toppings, and baked ethnic breads; <sup>c</sup> Includes butter, ghee, peanut butter and margarine; <sup>d</sup> Added to drinks and cereals.</p> Full article ">
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Commentary
Effects of Dietary l-Arginine on Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Obese Normotensive and Obese Hypertensive Subjects
by Beverly Giam, Sanjaya Kuruppu, Geoffrey A. Head, David M. Kaye and Niwanthi W. Rajapakse
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060364 - 14 Jun 2016
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5848
Abstract
Obesity related hypertension is a major risk factor for resistant hypertension. We do not completely understand the mechanism(s) underlying the development of obesity related hypertension which hinders the development of novel treatment strategies for this condition. Data from experimental studies and small clinical [...] Read more.
Obesity related hypertension is a major risk factor for resistant hypertension. We do not completely understand the mechanism(s) underlying the development of obesity related hypertension which hinders the development of novel treatment strategies for this condition. Data from experimental studies and small clinical trials indicate that transport of l-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide (NO), and subsequent NO production are reduced in obesity induced hypertension. Reduced NO bioavailability can induce hypertension via multiple mechanisms. Mirmiran et al. recently analyzed data from a large population study and found that the association between dietary l-arginine and serum nitrate and nitrite was weakened in obese hypertensive subjects compared to obese normotensives. These data suggest that l-arginine dependent NO production is impaired in the former group compared to the latter which may represent a novel mechanism contributing to hypertension in the setting of obesity. Full article
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Normal arginase activity and normal transport of L-arginine via CAT-1 contribute to the regulation of blood pressure in obese normotensives (<b>b</b>) Reduced <span class="html-small-caps">l</span>-arginine transport via CAT-1 and/or augmented arginase activity can decrease NO bioavailability and thereby increase arterial pressure in obese hypertensives. CAT-1 is the predominant <span class="html-small-caps">l</span>-arginine transporter expressed in endothelial cells and it is co-localised with eNOS. This allows extracellular <span class="html-small-caps">l</span>-arginine transported by CAT-1 to be readily available for eNOS dependent NO production. <span class="html-small-caps">l</span>-Arg, <span class="html-small-caps">l</span>-arginine; CAT-1, Cationic amino acid transporter-1; eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase; NO, nitric oxide.</p> Full article ">
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Review
Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease: Finding the Perfect Recipe for Cardiovascular Health
by Alice Ravera, Valentina Carubelli, Edoardo Sciatti, Ivano Bonadei, Elio Gorga, Dario Cani, Enrico Vizzardi, Marco Metra and Carlo Lombardi
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060363 - 14 Jun 2016
Cited by 89 | Viewed by 26591
Abstract
The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite the progress in management entails the need of more effective preventive and curative strategies. As dietary-associated risk is the most important behavioral factor influencing global health, it appears the best target in the challenge against [...] Read more.
The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite the progress in management entails the need of more effective preventive and curative strategies. As dietary-associated risk is the most important behavioral factor influencing global health, it appears the best target in the challenge against CVD. Although for many years, since the formulation of the cholesterol hypothesis, a nutrient-based approach was attempted for CVD prevention and treatment, in recent years a dietary-based approach resulted more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk worldwide. After the publication of randomized trials on the remarkable effects of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on CVD, new efforts were put on research about the effects of complex dietary interventions on CVD. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence on dietary interventions in the prevention and disease modification of CVD, focusing on coronary artery disease and heart failure, the main disease responsible for the enormous toll taken by CVD worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Metabolic Dysfunction)
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<p>Factors to consider for tailoring dietary interventions in patients with CVD. BMI, Body Mass Index; CV(D), Cardiovascular (Disease).</p> Full article ">
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Article
A Novel in Vivo Model for Assessing the Impact of Geophagic Earth on Iron Status
by Gretchen L. Seim, Elad Tako, Cedric Ahn, Raymond P. Glahn and Sera L. Young
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060362 - 13 Jun 2016
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5454
Abstract
The causes and consequences of geophagy, the craving and consumption of earth, remain enigmatic, despite its recognition as a behavior with public health implications. Iron deficiency has been proposed as both a cause and consequence of geophagy, but methodological limitations have precluded a [...] Read more.
The causes and consequences of geophagy, the craving and consumption of earth, remain enigmatic, despite its recognition as a behavior with public health implications. Iron deficiency has been proposed as both a cause and consequence of geophagy, but methodological limitations have precluded a decisive investigation into this relationship. Here we present a novel in vivo model for assessing the impact of geophagic earth on iron status: Gallus gallus (broiler chicken). For four weeks, animals were gavaged daily with varying dosages of geophagic material or pure clay mineral. Differences in haemoglobin (Hb) across treatment groups were assessed weekly and differences in liver ferritin, liver iron, and gene expression of the iron transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), duodenal cytochrome B (DcytB) and ferroportin were assessed at the end of the study. Minimal impact on iron status indicators was observed in all non-control groups, suggesting dosing of geophagic materials may need refining in future studies. However, this model shows clear advantages over prior methods used both in vitro and in humans, and represents an important step in explaining the public health impact of geophagy on iron status. Full article
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<p>Liver ferritin and liver Fe at day 28. Ferritin levels are means (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 4, ± SEM) and are expressed relative to a standard of horse spleen ferritin as arbitrary units (AU). Liver Fe levels are means (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10 ± SEM). Means without a common letter are significantly different at <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 (Tukey’s honest significant difference (HSD)).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Chicken duodenal mRNA expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), duodenal cytochrome B (DcytB), and ferroportin. Expression is shown relative to expression of 18S rRNA in arbitrary units (AU). Values are means ± SD, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 5. Means without a common letter are significantly different at <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 (Tukey’s HSD).</p> Full article ">
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Article
Antiproliferative Activity of Triterpene Glycoside Nutrient from Monk Fruit in Colorectal Cancer and Throat Cancer
by Can Liu, Longhai Dai, Yueping Liu, Long Rong, Dequan Dou, Yuanxia Sun and Lanqing Ma
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060360 - 13 Jun 2016
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 13235
Abstract
Colorectal cancer and throat cancer are the world’s most prevalent neoplastic diseases, and a serious threat to human health. Plant triterpene glycosides have demonstrated antitumor activity. In this study, we investigated potential anticancer effects of mogroside IVe, a triterpenoid glycoside from monk fruit, [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer and throat cancer are the world’s most prevalent neoplastic diseases, and a serious threat to human health. Plant triterpene glycosides have demonstrated antitumor activity. In this study, we investigated potential anticancer effects of mogroside IVe, a triterpenoid glycoside from monk fruit, using in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal and laryngeal cancer. The effects of mogroside IVe on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HT29 cells and throat cancer Hep-2 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the expression levels of p53, phosphorylated ERK1/2, and MMP-9 were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that mogroside IVe inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the proliferation of HT29 and Hep-2 cells in culture and in xenografted mice, which was accompanied by the upregulation of tumor suppressor p53, and downregulation of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2. This study revealed the suppressive activity of mogroside IVe towards colorectal and throat cancers and identified the underlying mechanisms, suggesting that mogroside IVe may be potentially used as a biologically-active phytochemical supplement for treating colorectal and throat cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Promoting Components of Fruits and Vegetables in Human Health)
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<p>HPLC and mass spectra of mogroside IVe. (<b>a</b>) LC chromatogram of mogroside IVe standard; (<b>b</b>) Mass spectrum of mogroside IVe standard.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Mogroside IVe inhibits the proliferation of cultured cancer cells. (<b>a</b>) Chemical structure of mogroside IVe; (<b>b</b>,<b>c</b>) Mogroside IVe suppressed the proliferation of HT29 (<b>b</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>c</b>) cells in a dose-dependent manner. The results represent the mean ± SD of three independent experiments performed in triplicate; (<b>d</b>) Significant morphological changes were induced in cancer cells by mogroside IVe.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Mogroside IVe regulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and p53 and MMP-9 expression. HT29 and Hep-2 cells were treated with the indicated concentrations of mogroside IVe and analyzed for protein expression by Western blotting. (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) Mogroside IVe inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HT29 (<b>a</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>b</b>) cells; (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) Mogroside IVe enhanced p53 expression in HT29 (<b>c</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>d</b>) cells; (<b>e</b>,<b>f</b>) Mogroside IVe inhibited MMP-9 expression in HT29 (<b>e</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>f</b>) cells. The data represent the mean ± SD of three independent experiments performed in triplicate. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 compared to control.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Mogroside IVe inhibits the growth of HT29- and Hep-2-derived tumors. Mice were implanted 1 × 10<sup>7</sup> HT29 or Hep-2 cells subcutaneously and injected 2 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg of mogroside IVe three times a week for five weeks; the control group was injected saline. (<b>a</b>) Mogroside IVe reduced the size (left panel) and weight (right panel) of HT29-derived tumors; (<b>b</b>) Mogroside IVe reduced the size (left panel) and weight (right panel) of Hep-2-derived tumors. Statistical significance between control and treated animals were evaluated by Student’s <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 8). ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01; *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 compared to control.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Mogroside IVe induced apoptosis in HT29 and Hep-2 cell-derived tumors by upregulating p53 levels. (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) Detection of apoptotic cells (stained red) in tumors using the TUNEL assay. Mogroside IVe induced apoptosis in HT29 (<b>a</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>b</b>) tumors in a dose-dependent manner; (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) Mogroside IVe increased p53 expression in HT29 (<b>c</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>d</b>) tumors. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 compared to control.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Immunohistochemical analysis of p-ERK1/2 and MMP-9 expression in HT29 and Hep-2 cell-derived tumors. (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) Mogroside IVe inhibited Erk1/2 phosphorylation in HT29 (<b>a</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>b</b>) tumors in a dose-dependent manner; (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) The number of MMP-9–positive cells was reduced after mogroside IVe treatment in HT29 (<b>c</b>) and Hep-2 (<b>d</b>) tumors compared with the control group. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 compared to control.</p> Full article ">
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Review
Retinoic Acid as a Modulator of T Cell Immunity
by Maria Rosa Bono, Gabriela Tejon, Felipe Flores-Santibañez, Dominique Fernandez, Mario Rosemblatt and Daniela Sauma
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060349 - 13 Jun 2016
Cited by 94 | Viewed by 12703
Abstract
Vitamin A, a generic designation for an array of organic molecules that includes retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, is an essential nutrient needed in a wide array of aspects including the proper functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function and differentiation, [...] Read more.
Vitamin A, a generic designation for an array of organic molecules that includes retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, is an essential nutrient needed in a wide array of aspects including the proper functioning of the visual system, maintenance of cell function and differentiation, epithelial surface integrity, erythrocyte production, reproduction, and normal immune function. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and is associated with defects in adaptive immunity. Reports from epidemiological studies, clinical trials and experimental studies have clearly demonstrated that vitamin A plays a central role in immunity and that its deficiency is the cause of broad immune alterations including decreased humoral and cellular responses, inadequate immune regulation, weak response to vaccines and poor lymphoid organ development. In this review, we will examine the role of vitamin A in immunity and focus on several aspects of T cell biology such as T helper cell differentiation, function and homing, as well as lymphoid organ development. Further, we will provide an overview of the effects of vitamin A deficiency in the adaptive immune responses and how retinoic acid, through its effect on T cells can fine-tune the balance between tolerance and immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin A Update 2016)
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<p>Retinoic acid induces T cell homing to the gut. A specialized subset of gut-resident dendritic cells which express CD103 integrin is able to produce retinoic acid during the interaction with T cells in the mesenteric lymph node. Retinoic acid induces the expression of α4 which binds to β7 forming the α4β7 integrin. α4β7 integrin binds to the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MadCAM-1) which is expressed by high endothelial venules (HEV) in the intestinal tissue. Retinoic acid also induces the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR9, which binds to CCL25 chemokine produced by intestinal epithelial cells. The expression of α4β7 and CCR9 allows the trafficking of T cells to the lamina propria.</p> Full article ">
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Review
Isoflavones: Anti-Inflammatory Benefit and Possible Caveats
by Jie Yu, Xiaojuan Bi, Bing Yu and Daiwen Chen
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060361 - 10 Jun 2016
Cited by 219 | Viewed by 16851
Abstract
Inflammation, a biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, is also known to be involved in a host of diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory [...] Read more.
Inflammation, a biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, is also known to be involved in a host of diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing evidence has highlighted the potential for isoflavones to prevent the chronic diseases in which inflammation plays a key role, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, some studies have raised concerns about isoflavones induced negative effects like carcinogenesis, thymic involution, and immunosuppression. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones, unravel the underlying mechanisms, and present the potential health risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System)
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<p>Structure of isoflavones and estradiol.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of isoflavones. Upon stimulation, cytoplasmic NF-κB is activated by IκB kinase (IKK). Then, free NF-κB translocates into the nucleus and activates the transcription of target genes including pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Isoflavones decrease the production of these pro-inflammatory contributors by inhibiting the NF-κB transcriptional system. Also, isoflavones modulate arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and NO production by inhibiting the protein levels and activities of pro-inflammatory enzymes (phospholipase A2 (PLA2), lipoxygenase (LOX), COX-2, and iNOS). The metabolites of AA—including prostaglandins (PG), leukotrienes and thromboxances, and NO—are crucial mediators of inflammation.</p> Full article ">
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Project Report
Comparison of INTAKE24 (an Online 24-h Dietary Recall Tool) with Interviewer-Led 24-h Recall in 11–24 Year-Old
by Jennifer Bradley, Emma Simpson, Ivan Poliakov, John N. S. Matthews, Patrick Olivier, Ashley J. Adamson and Emma Foster
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060358 - 9 Jun 2016
Cited by 73 | Viewed by 11265
Abstract
Online dietary assessment tools offer a convenient, low cost alternative to traditional dietary assessment methods such as weighed records and face-to-face interviewer-led 24-h recalls. INTAKE24 is an online multiple pass 24-h recall tool developed for use with 11–24 year-old. The aim of the [...] Read more.
Online dietary assessment tools offer a convenient, low cost alternative to traditional dietary assessment methods such as weighed records and face-to-face interviewer-led 24-h recalls. INTAKE24 is an online multiple pass 24-h recall tool developed for use with 11–24 year-old. The aim of the study was to undertake a comparison of INTAKE24 (the test method) with interviewer-led multiple pass 24-h recalls (the comparison method) in 180 people aged 11–24 years. Each participant completed both an INTAKE24 24-h recall and an interviewer-led 24-h recall on the same day on four occasions over a one-month period. The daily energy and nutrient intakes reported in INTAKE24 were compared to those reported in the interviewer-led recall. Mean intakes reported using INTAKE24 were similar to the intakes reported in the interviewer-led recall for energy and macronutrients. INTAKE24 was found to underestimate energy intake by 1% on average compared to the interviewer-led recall with the limits of agreement ranging from minus 49% to plus 93%. Mean intakes of all macronutrients and micronutrients (except non-milk extrinsic sugars) were within 4% of the interviewer-led recall. Dietary assessment that utilises technology may offer a viable alternative and be more engaging than paper based methods, particularly for children and young adults. Full article
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<p>Screen shots of INTAKE24; (<b>A</b>) User instructions for INTAKE24; (<b>B</b>) Food and drink entry interface.</p> Full article ">Figure 1 Cont.
<p>Screen shots of INTAKE24; (<b>A</b>) User instructions for INTAKE24; (<b>B</b>) Food and drink entry interface.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Examples of food portion estimation methods in INTAKE24.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Flow chart detailing participant flow through the study.</p> Full article ">
312 KiB  
Review
Challenges in Analyzing the Biological Effects of Resveratrol
by Cihan Suleyman Erdogan and Ole Vang
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060353 - 9 Jun 2016
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 8673
Abstract
The suggested health effects (e.g., disease prevention) of dietary bioactive compounds such as resveratrol are challenging to prove in comparison to man-made drugs developed for therapeutic purposes. Dietary bioactive compounds have multiple cellular targets and therefore have a variety of biological effects. Extrapolating [...] Read more.
The suggested health effects (e.g., disease prevention) of dietary bioactive compounds such as resveratrol are challenging to prove in comparison to man-made drugs developed for therapeutic purposes. Dietary bioactive compounds have multiple cellular targets and therefore have a variety of biological effects. Extrapolating the biological effects of dietary compounds from in vitro and in vivo animal experiments to humans may lead to over- or under-estimation of the effect and role of these compounds. The present paper will discuss a few of these challenges and suggest directions for future research. Questions we address include: (1) Is the combinatorial effect of resveratrol and other compounds real? (2) What are the real and relevant doses of resveratrol after administration? and (3) Is it possible to estimate the preventive effect of resveratrol by clinical trials using standard experimental designs? The examples concerning resveratrol taken from the scientific literature are mainly from 2010 and later. The challenges pointed out in this review are similar to most naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Resveratrol Regional Meeting 2015)
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211 KiB  
Review
Protein Consumption and the Elderly: What Is the Optimal Level of Intake?
by Jamie I. Baum, Il-Young Kim and Robert R. Wolfe
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060359 - 8 Jun 2016
Cited by 200 | Viewed by 31209
Abstract
Maintaining independence, quality of life, and health is crucial for elderly adults. One of the major threats to living independently is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that progressively occurs with aging, known as sarcopenia. Several studies have identified protein (especially [...] Read more.
Maintaining independence, quality of life, and health is crucial for elderly adults. One of the major threats to living independently is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that progressively occurs with aging, known as sarcopenia. Several studies have identified protein (especially the essential amino acids) as a key nutrient for muscle health in elderly adults. Elderly adults are less responsive to the anabolic stimulus of low doses of amino acid intake compared to younger individuals. However, this lack of responsiveness in elderly adults can be overcome with higher levels of protein (or essential amino acid) consumption. The requirement for a larger dose of protein to generate responses in elderly adults similar to the responses in younger adults provides the support for a beneficial effect of increased protein in older populations. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence related to dietary protein intake and muscle health in elderly adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Protein, Exercise and Muscle Health in an Ageing Population)
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Article
Predictors of Vitamin D-Containing Supplement Use in the Australian Population and Associations between Dose and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations
by Lucinda J. Black, Peter Jacoby, Caryl A. Nowson, Robin M. Daly and Robyn M. Lucas
Nutrients 2016, 8(6), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8060356 - 8 Jun 2016
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5705
Abstract
Despite concerns about vitamin D deficiency in the Australian population, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use. We described the use of vitamin D-containing supplements, and investigated associations between supplemental vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [...] Read more.
Despite concerns about vitamin D deficiency in the Australian population, little is known about the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use. We described the use of vitamin D-containing supplements, and investigated associations between supplemental vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, using a single 24-h dietary recall from the 2011–2013 Australian Health Survey (n = 12,153; ages ≥ 2 years). Multiple regression models were used to investigate predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in adults, and associations between dose and serum 25(OH)D concentrations/vitamin D sufficiency (≥50 nmol/L), adjusting for potential confounders. The prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was 10%, 6% and 19% in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. Predictors of vitamin D-containing supplement use in adults included being female, advancing age, higher educational attainment, higher socio-economic status, not smoking, and greater physical activity. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 40 IU (1 µg) increase in vitamin D intake from supplements was associated with an increase of 0.41 nmol/L in serum 25(OH)D concentrations (95% CI 0.35, 0.47; p < 0.001). However, the prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use was generally low in the Australian population, particularly for single vitamin D supplements, with most supplement users obtaining only low levels of vitamin D from other supplement types. Full article
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<p>Prevalence of vitamin D-containing supplement use by sex and age group in the Australian population (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 12,153).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations by vitamin D supplement dose and age group among Australian adults (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3736).</p> Full article ">
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