Nutrition

Obesity: The preventive role of the pomegranate (Punica granatum)

May Nasser Al-Muammar, Fozia Khan — 2012-02-20

Abstract: Obesity represents a rapidly growing threat to the health of populations in an increasing number of countries. Diet intervention has been proposed as one of the strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance. Traditionally, the pomegranate, including its roots, tree bark, fruit juice, leaves, and flowers, has been used to treat some conditions such as diarrhea, hemorrhage, acidosis, and microbial infections. Pomegranate extracts have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even antitumor properties in vivo and in vitro. More recently, positive effects on fat reduction have been shown using the pomegranate and its extracts. Many of the beneficial effects are related to the presence of anthocyanins, tannins, and very high levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. Many studies have explored the effects of the pomegranate in obesity, and various mechanisms have been proposed as to how these different extracts help in fat reduction. This article provides an overview of the work done addressing the potential benefits of the pomegranate on obesity and assesses the efficacy of intervention by means of the pomegranate and its extracts. Human studies in this field are still limited and need more attention that would help in understanding the preventive and protective roles pomegranate extracts have on obesity.

Novel phytonutrient contributors to antioxidant protection against cardiovascular disease

2012-04-06

Abstract: The associations linking endothelial inflammation, endothelial oxidative stress, and atherogenesis and the potential for dietary phytonutrients to decrease the impact of these associations were assessed. A detailed literature review was conducted and summarized. A large body of scientific evidence describes the interactions among endothelial inflammation, endothelial oxidative stress, and atherogenesis. A growing body of research indicates that several dietary phytonutrients (astaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and glabridin) can decrease the risk for atherosclerosis by decreasing endothelial inflammation and oxidative stress. The consumption of foods or dietary supplements that provide astaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and glabridin can ameliorate endothelial inflammation and oxidative stress, retard atherogenesis, and decrease the risk for atherogenic cardiovascular disease.

What is the optimum research strategy to study the effects of phytochemicals on disease prevention?

Norman J. Temple — 2012-06-01

Is it time to review our concept as to how we study the effects of phytochemicals on the prevention or treatment of disease? Current data would suggest a fresh approach is needed. Based primarily on our new concept of food synergy, especially true for phytochemicals—the health effects of food as a comprehensive package —a new approach should involve three stages.

The pathophysiology underlying the obesity paradox

Peter B. Soeters, Lubos Sobotka — 2012-01-06

Obesity is known to cause a multitude of ailments including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer, arthrosis, biliary disease, etc. Leading to decreased quality of life and inducing early mortality. Unexpectedly and contrary to expectations, it has been shown in several studies that patients admitted to the hospital because of cardiac failure have lower mortality and live longer when they are obese compared with patients with a normal or low body mass index (BMI; see references 5–16 in Casas-Vara et al. in this issue of Nutrition). Unfortunately, in most of the often huge epidemiologic studies, the only nutritional parameter assessed was the BMI, which is an inadequate indicator of the health status of the individual. Very high levels correctly indicate an abundance of adipose tissue but do not indicate the quantity of the fat-free mass. In fact, muscle mass decreases in chronic illness and in aging (sarcopenia), whereas fat mass may still be abundant or even increase, resulting in a high BMI (). Muscle mass is an important determinant of the health/nutritional state, which, with inflammatory activity (e.g., expressed by high C-reactive protein or low albumin serum levels), determines functional capacity (muscle force and endurance, immune function, and cognitive function). These functional parameters have logically been confirmed as risk factors for the ability to heal well after (surgical) trauma, to react adequately to different types of treatment, to recover from acute illness, and to predict longevity.

The obesity paradox in elderly patients with heart failure: Analysis of nutritional status

2012-01-20

Abstract: Objective: The obesity paradox refers to the improved survival of obese compared with non-obese elderly or diseased patients for reasons that are not clear. To assess the relative roles of fat and other factors in this improved survival, we analyzed the prognostic value of overweight and obesity elderly patients with heart failure (HF), controlling for other nutritional data such as midarm anthropometrics, serum proteins, and muscle strength.Methods: Two hundred forty-four patients (83.2 ± 0.5 y old) hospitalized for HF were included. A nutritional survey was performed in all patients. After discharge, the patients were followed up by telephone.Results: Fourteen patients (5.7%) died during hospitalization. The median survival was 984 d. Patients with better nutritional status as assessed by the body mass index (BMI), subjective score, midarm muscle area, triceps skinfold thickness, handgrip, lymphocyte count, and serum albumin, prealbumin, and cholesterol levels showed better short- and long-term prognoses. Obese patients with a BMI above 30 kg/m2 showed a better long-term prognosis than those with a BMI from 25 to 30 kg/m2, those with a BMI from 20 to 25 kg/m2, and those with a BMI lower than 20 kg/m2. However, survival was not significantly related to a triceps skinfold thickness above the 95th percentile. Obese and overweight patients were younger and had better a nutritional status than those with a normal or decreased BMI as shown by the anthropometrics, subjective score, handgrip, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and serum albumin, prealbumin, and cholesterol levels. All the nutritional data correlated closely with each other. New York Heart Association class also correlated with nutrition-derived data: as the HF class increased, the nutritional status deteriorated. On multivariate analysis, to predict long-term survival, neither BMI nor triceps skinfold thickness showed an independent predictive value, whereas a larger midarm muscle area did.Conclusion: The obesity paradox was confirmed in this series of elderly patients with HF. Those with a high BMI and improved survival had a better nutritional status and New York Heart Association functional class than those with a lower BMI, which may explain the differences in survival.

Superiority of a fish oil–enriched emulsion to medium-chain triacylglycerols/long-chain triacylglycerols in gastrointestinal surgery patients: A randomized clinical trial

Jin Wang, Jian-Chun Yu, Wei-Ming Kang, Zhi-Qiang Ma — 2011-11-24

Abstract: Objective: Compared with soybean oil, a fish oil–enriched emulsion can improve the clinical outcomes of patients requiring parenteral nutrition. However, the superiority of fish oil emulsion to medium-chain triacylglycerols/long-chain triacylglycerols for short-term administration has seldom been discussed.Methods: Sixty-four adult patients with gastrointestinal diseases were randomly assigned to receive isocaloric and isonitrogenous total parenteral nutrition with an ω-3 fatty acid–enriched emulsion (Lipoplus; study group, n = 32) or medium-chain triacylglycerols/long-chain triacylglycerols (Lipofundin; control group, n = 32) for 5 d after surgery. Safety and efficacy parameters were assessed on postoperative days 1, 3, and 6.Results: Clinical outcomes including infectious complications and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were comparable between the two groups. Total bilirubin decreased over time in the study group versus an increase in the control group (P = 0.017). Activated partial thromboplastin time in the study group was prolonged significantly compared with the control group from days 1 to 3 (P = 0.002), although the prolongation stopped at the study termination. There were no differences in changes of C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the distribution of the T-cell subpopulation between the two groups. However, fish oil consumption led to an increase in leukotriene B5/ leukotriene B4 and significant decreases in IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB. Furthermore, the overall changes in tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-κB were positively associated (R2 = 0.295, P < 0.001).Conclusions: Gastrointestinal surgery patients benefited from a fish oil–enriched emulsion rather than medium-chain triacylglycerols/long-chain triacylglycerols in the amelioration of liver function and immune status. The positive association of tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-κB might be involved in the potential anti-inflammation mechanism of fish oil.

Weight loss and resting energy expenditure in patients with chronic hepatitis C before and during standard treatment

2011-12-26

Abstract: Objective: Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious public health problem worldwide. In clinical studies, weight loss has been reported in 11% to 29% of patients treated with pegylated interferon-α-2a/2b. Few reports have tried to explain such a weight loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional status, body composition, and resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with chronic hepatitis C before and during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.Methods: This was a prospective study with the evaluation of patients with hepatitis C virus before and after 12 wk of treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The evaluation consisted of anthropometry (weight, height, body mass index, and waist circumference), and body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The REE of each individual was obtained by indirect calorimetry. To compare the two phases of treatment, the Wilcoxon test was used. The significance level was 5%.Results: Subjects had significant weight loss during treatment with a consequent decrease in body mass index. This weight decrease was accompanied by a significant decrease in body fat and no decrease in fat-free mass. There was a significant decrease in energy intake as assessed by 24-h recall. However, there was no change in REE and in REE corrected for fat-free mass.Conclusion: Our study of patients with hepatitis C treatment showed that these patients had significant weight loss and this was not associated with changes in energy expenditure. However, we observed a significant decrease in energy intake, pointing to a possible need for intervention measures to decrease the damage.

Arginase I and the very low-density lipoprotein receptor are associated with phenotypic biomarkers for obesity

2011-12-22

Abstract: Objective: Obesity is a serious health problem implicated in many metabolic disorders (i.e., hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease). We examined whether the mRNA of tested genes were linked to blood lipid concentrations and vascular endothelial function as features of obesity.Methods: In healthy subjects (30–69 y old; normal weight, n = 22, body mass index 18.5–23 kg/m2; overweight, n = 25, body mass index ≥23 kg/m2) the following parameters were measured in the blood circulation: total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, apolipoprotein AI, apolipoprotein B, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The mRNA levels of genes (arginase I [ARG1], very low-density lipoprotein receptor [VLDLR], adiponectin receptor-1 [ADIPOR1], ADIPOR2, and nitric oxide synthase-3 [NOS3]) were tested in the subjects’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Results: The expression levels of all tested genes were investigated for their associations with the blood concentrations of each parameter. In the expression study, only ARG1 (4.5-fold) and VLDLR (4-fold) expressions were significantly upregulated in the overweight group compared with the normal-weight group. The ARG1 mRNA levels were positively associated with blood concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The VLDLR mRNA levels showed a positive relation with triacylglycerol and glucose concentrations and a negative relation with adiponectin levels.Conclusion: Significant upregulations of ARG1 and VLDLR were observed in the overweight condition and their expression levels are likely to be closely linked to the phenotypic biomarkers for obesity (disturbed lipid profiles and endothelial dysfunction).

Anemia prevalence and its determinants in Brazilian institutionalized elderly

2011-12-22

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anemia and analyze the factors associated with anemia in elderly residents of long-term care institutions.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in male and female elderly volunteers selected in a two-stage random sampling from long-term care institutions in the city of Maringá, Brazil (2008). A diagnosis of anemia was based on the plasma hemoglobin concentration. The independent variables analyzed were gender, age, time of residence at an institution, body mass index, and serum iron and albumin concentrations. The association between anemia and the variables was assessed using the Poisson regression with robust variance in unadjusted and adjusted analyses, considering a complex sample and a significance level of 5%.Results: The sample included 124 adults older than 60 y residing in long-term care institutions (53.0% female). The prevalence of anemia was 29% and was not significantly associated with gender, serum iron concentration, time of residence at an institution, or body mass index. Conversely, hypoalbuminemia was considered a risk factor for anemia.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of anemia in the institutionalized elderly and hypoalbuminemia is a factor associated with this outcome. Interventions are necessary to promote improvements in the health and welfare of this population.

High-carbohydrate/low-protein–induced hyperinsulinemia does not improve protein balance in children after cardiac surgery

2012-01-20

Abstract: Objective: In pediatric cardiac surgery, fluid-restricted low-protein (LoProt) diets account for cumulative protein deficits with increased morbidity. In this setting, we aimed to inhibit proteolysis by a high-carbohydrate (HiCarb)-intake–induced hyperinsulinemia and improve protein balance.Methods: The effect of a HiCarb/LoProt (glucose 10 mg · kg−1 · min−1/protein 0.7 g · kg−1 · d−1) versus a normal-carbohydrate (NormCarb)/LoProt (glucose 7.5 mg · kg−1 · min−1/protein 0.3 g · kg−1 · d−1) enteral diet on whole-body protein breakdown and balance was compared in a prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial in 24 children after cardiac surgery. On the second postoperative day, plasma insulin and amino acid concentrations, protein breakdown (endogenous rate of appearance of valine), protein synthesis (non-oxidative disposal of valine), protein balance, and the rate of appearance of urea were measured by using an isotopic infusion of [1-13C]valine and [15N2]urea.Results: The HiCarb/LoProt diet led to a serum insulin concentration that was three times higher than the NormCarb/LoProt diet (596 pmol/L, 80–1833, and 198 pmol/L, 76–1292, respectively, P = 0.02), without differences in plasma glucose concentrations. There were no differences in plasma amino acid concentrations, non-oxidative disposal of valine, and endogenous rate of appearance of valine between the groups, with a negative valine balance in the two groups (−0.65 μmol · kg−1 · min−1, −1.91 to 0.01, and −0.58 μmol · kg−1 · min−1, −2.32 to −0.07, respectively, P = 0.71). The serum cortisol concentration in the HiCarb/LoProt group was lower compared with the NormCarb/LoProt group (204 nmol/L, 50–544, and 532 nmol/L, 108–930, respectively, P = 0.02).Conclusion: In children with fluid restriction after cardiac surgery, a HiCarb/LoProt diet compared with a NormCarb/LoProt diet stimulates insulin secretion but does not inhibit proteolysis further and therefore cannot be advocated for this purpose.

Postprandial substrate use in overweight subjects with the metabolic syndrome after isomaltulose (Palatinose™) ingestion

Daniel König, Stephan Theis, Gunhild Kozianowski, Aloys Berg — 2012-01-24

Abstract: Objective: Dietary interventions with a low glycemic index have shown to be successful for the prevention and therapy of the metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the postprandial metabolic response at rest and during physical activity the low glycemic carbohydrate isomaltulose (Palatinose™) intake compared with a conventional carbohydrate (glucose syrup/sucrose [glc/suc]) with a higher glycemic index.Methods: Twenty overweight or obese men (32–64 y old) with the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were enrolled in this double-blinded, randomized, cross-over study. In the morning, a breakfast consisting of a 250-mL drink and 140 g of cookies containing in a total of 50 g of Palatinose™ or glc/suc was consumed. Two hours after breakfast, subjects exercised at moderate intensity on a treadmill for 30 min. Thereafter, subjects ingested a standardized lunch consisting of a 250-mL drink with 10% Palatinose™ or glc/suc, mini pizzas, and an apple.Results: Blood levels of glucose and insulin were measured and the postprandial substrate metabolism was determined. The glycemic and insulinemic responses were considerably lower after the ingestion of Palatinose™ (incremental area under the curve, P < 0.05). The total fat oxidation was significantly higher with Palatinose™ from breakfast to the beginning of lunch including the exercise and postexercise periods (P < 0.05). Fat oxidation with Palatinose™ was numerically higher throughout the entire examination period (P = 0.09).Conclusion: In obese subjects with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, the partial substitution of carbohydrates with a higher glycemic index in foods and drinks by Palatinose™ resulted in greater postprandial fat oxidation at rest and during physical activity. It is hypothesized that this increased fat oxidation may confer further benefits for long-term weight management and for an improvement in metabolic risk factors.

Association of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) intake and dietary intervention and effects on oxidative stress biomarkers of dyslipidemic subjects

2012-06-01

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of long-term ingestion of mate tea, with or without dietary intervention, on the markers of oxidative stress in dyslipidemic individuals.Methods: Seventy-four dyslipidemic volunteers participated in this randomized clinical trial. Subjects were divided into three treatment groups: mate tea (MT), dietary intervention (DI), and mate tea with dietary intervention (MD). Biochemical and dietary variables were assessed at the beginning of the study (baseline) and after 20, 40, 60, and 90 d of treatment. Participants in the MT and MD groups consumed 1 L/d of mate tea. Those in the DI and MD groups were instructed to increase their intake of fruit, legumes and vegetables and decrease their consumption of foods rich in cholesterol and saturated and trans-fatty acids. Biomarkers of oxidative stress such as antioxidant capacity of serum (ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay), uric acid, reduced glutathione, paraoxonase-1 enzyme, lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), and protein carbonyl were analyzed.Results: Participants in the DI group showed a significant decrease in total fat and saturated fatty acid intakes. Those in the DI and MD groups presented a significant increase in vitamin C consumption. For all groups, there was a significant increase in ferric reducing antioxidant potential and reduced glutathione concentrations but no significant changes in LOOH, protein carbonyl, and paraoxonase-1 values. The reduced glutathione concentration was positively correlated with the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and vitamin C, whereas levels of LOOH were inversely correlated with intakes of vitamin C and fiber. In addition, LOOH correlated positively with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and inversely with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which had a positive association with paraoxonase-1.Conclusion: The ingestion of mate tea independently of the dietary intervention increased plasma and blood antioxidant protection in patients with dyslipidemia.

Influence of yeast-derived 1,3/1,6 glucopolysaccharide on circulating cytokines and chemokines with respect to upper respiratory tract infections

2012-04-05

Abstract: Objective: Wellmune WGP is a food supplement containing a refined 1,3/1,6 glucopolysaccharide that improves the antimicrobial activity of the innate immune cells by the priming of lectin sites. This study aimed to investigate whether Wellmune decreases the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms over 90 d during the peak URTI season in healthy university students. The secondary aims included an assessment of plasma cytokine and chemokine levels.Methods: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial lasting 90 d. One hundred healthy individuals (18–65 y old, mean age ∼21 y) were randomized to 250 mg of Wellmune once daily or to an identical rice flour-based placebo. Health was recorded daily and two or more reported URTI symptoms for 2 consecutive days triggered a medical assessment and blood collection within 24 h. The URTI symptom severity was monitored. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were measured at day 0, day 90, and during the confirmed URTI.Results: Ninety-seven participants completed the trial (Wellmune, n = 48; placebo, n = 49). The Wellmune tended to decrease the total number of days with URTI symptoms (198 d, 4.6%, versus 241 d, 5.5% in the control group, P = 0.06). The ability to “breathe easily” was significantly improved in the Wellmune group; the other severity scores showed no significant difference. Cytokines and chemokines were not different between the groups at study entry or day 90, but monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was lower in the Wellmune group during the URTI.Conclusion: Wellmune may decrease the duration and severity of URTI. Larger studies are needed to demonstrate this.

Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial

2012-04-27

Abstract: Objective: To determine the effects of an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)–rich oil and a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)–rich oil versus an ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid–rich safflower oil (control) on literacy and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a randomized controlled trial.Methods: Supplements rich in EPA, DHA, or safflower oil were randomly allocated for 4 mo to 90 Australian children 7 to 12 y old with ADHD symptoms higher than the 90th percentile on the Conners Rating Scales. The effect of supplementation on cognition, literacy, and parent-rated behavior was assessed by linear mixed modeling. Pearson correlations determined associations between the changes in outcome measurements and the erythrocyte fatty acid content (percentage of total) from baseline to 4 mo.Results: There were no significant differences between the supplement groups in the primary outcomes after 4 mo. However, the erythrocyte fatty acid profiles indicated that an increased proportion of DHA was associated with improved word reading (r = 0.394) and lower parent ratings of oppositional behavior (r = 0.392). These effects were more evident in a subgroup of 17 children with learning difficulties: an increased erythrocyte DHA was associated with improved word reading (r = 0.683), improved spelling (r = 0.556), an improved ability to divide attention (r = 0.676), and lower parent ratings of oppositional behavior (r = 0.777), hyperactivity (r = 0.702), restlessness (r = 0.705), and overall ADHD symptoms (r = 0.665).Conclusion: Increases in erythrocyte ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically DHA, may improve literacy and behavior in children with ADHD. The greatest benefit may be observed in children who have comorbid learning difficulties.

Arginine decreases Cryptosporidium parvum infection in undernourished suckling mice involving nitric oxide synthase and arginase

2012-01-20

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated the role of L-arginine supplementation to undernourished and Cryptosporidium parvum–infected suckling mice.Methods: The following regimens were initiated on the fourth day of life and injected subcutaneously daily. The C. parvum–infected controls received L-arginine (200 mmol/L) or phosphate buffered saline. The L-arginine–treated mice were grouped to receive NG-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (20 mmol/L) or phosphate buffered saline. The infected mice received orally 106 excysted C. parvum oocysts on day 6 and were euthanized on day 14 at the infection peak.Results: L-arginine improved weight gain compared with the untreated infected controls. L-NAME profoundly impaired body weight gain compared with all other groups. Cryptosporidiosis was associated with ileal crypt hyperplasia, villus blunting, and inflammation. L-arginine improved mucosal histology after the infection. L-NAME abrogated these arginine-induced improvements. The infected control mice showed an intense arginase expression, which was even greater with L-NAME. L-arginine decreased the parasite burden, an effect that was reversed by L-NAME. Cryptosporidium parvum infection increased urine NO3−/NO2− concentrations compared with the uninfected controls, which was increased by L-arginine supplementation, an effect that was also reversed by L-NAME.Conclusion: These findings show a protective role of L-arginine during C. parvum infection in undernourished mice, with involvement of arginase I and nitric oxide synthase enzymatic actions.

Ascorbic acid protects the diaphragm muscle against myonecrosis in mdx mice

2011-12-22

Abstract: Objective: Oxidative stress contributes to myonecrosis in the dystrophin-deficient fibers of mdx mice and in Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. We examined the effects of ascorbic acid (AA), an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, on the dystrophic diaphragm muscle.Methods: Mdx mice (14 d old) received AA for 14 d. Control mdx mice received saline. The muscle damage was visualized by the penetration of Evans blue dye into myofibers and the extent of inflammation was assessed by histologic analysis. Creatine kinase levels were measured for the biochemical evaluation of muscle fiber degeneration. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (a proinflammatory cytokine) and 4-hydroxynonenal (a marker of lipid peroxidation) were analyzed by immunoblotting.Results: Ascorbic acid decreased creatine kinase levels, myonecrosis, inflammation, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and 4-hydroxynonenal.Conclusion: The present results suggest that AA plays a protective role in dystrophic muscle degeneration, possibly by decreasing reactive oxygen species, and support further investigations of AA as a potential therapy for dystrophinopathies.

Dietary iron supplements may affect stress adaptation and aggravate stress hyperglycemia in a rat model of psychological stress

Yan Feng, Rui Qi, Manni Xu, Zhilei Shen, Min Li — 2012-02-27

Abstract: Objective: Iron supplementation is believed to decrease the risk of iron-deficiency anemia or low birth weight. In modern society, a majority of people are in a continual state of stress. Stress-induced hyperglycemia, known as transient hyperglycemia, may be a risk factor causing diabetes. To understand the role of iron in people under stress, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of iron supplementation on glucose or stress hyperglycemia.Methods: The effect of a diet containing non-heme iron (80 or 320 mg/kg) on Sprague-Dawley rats and those under psychological stress was evaluated.Results: Compared with control rats, a high-iron diet (320 mg/kg) increased blood glucose transiently in normal rats but induced hyperglycemia persistently in stressed rats throughout the experiment. Iron supplements further aggravated iron deposition and oxidative stress injury to the liver induced by the stress exposure. Glucose-related stress hormones were also affected by iron supplementation in stressed rats.Conclusion: Oxidative stress may be one of the main reasons for insulin resistance. Moreover, changes in stress hormones indicate that high-iron supplements may affect stress adaptation. Both are primary reasons for the hyperglycemia induced by iron supplementation in stressed rats. Gaining an insight into the mechanisms and correlations of these changes may be beneficial to human health and is important for the prevention of pathologic glycemia-related diseases.

Effects of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia on skin development of rat fetuses

Hassan I. El-Sayyad, Soad A. Khalifa, Yosra A. Fouda, Ahmed S. Yonis — 2012-02-20

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effects of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia on skin development during in utero life at 15, 17 & 19 days old.Methods: Sixty pregnant female albino Wistar rats were arranged into three groups: control, diabetic (single i.p. 60 mg streptozotocin/kg B.wt) and hypercholesterolemic (diet supplement 3% cholesterol 6 week prior to conception and throughout gestation). Pregnant rats were sacrificed at 15, 17 & 19 days prenatal). Vibrissae skin biopsies were removed and allowed for scanning (SEM), light, and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) investigation. Also, DNA fragmentation and sodium dodecyl polyacrylamides gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were carried out.Results: Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed retarded hair follicle growth and deformations of their pattern structure. At light microscopic level, skin exhibited decreased epidermal cornification, as well as degeneration of hair follicles in fetuses of both diabetic and hypercholesterolemic groups. Transmission electron microscopy revealed abundant vacuolar spaces in the epidermis. Degenerative phases become more abundant in keratinocytes as well as in stratum germinativum cells. Fetal skin possessed altered protein expression and missing bands as well as separation of genomic DNA to several degraded bands in skin of 15-, 17-, and 19-day-old, maternally diabetic and/or hypercholesterolemic fetuses.Conclusion: These findings showed that maternal diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia increased average deformation of hair follicles, vacuolation, and degeneration of epidermal cell layers. The observed findings resulted from altered protein expression and increased DNA fragmentation, which, in turn, disrupt epidermal cell differentiation.

Protein restriction inhibits gastric cell proliferation during rat postnatal growth in parallel to ghrelin changes

Ariane Kasai, Patrícia Gama, Eliana Parisi Alvares — 2012-01-03

Abstract: Objective: Gastric development depends directly on the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, and these processes are controlled by multiple elements, such as diet, hormones, and growth factors. Protein restriction affects gastrointestinal functions, but its effects on gastric growth are not fully understood.Methods: The present study evaluated cell proliferation in the gastric epithelia of rats subjected to protein restriction since gestation. Because ghrelin is increasingly expressed from the fetal to the weaning stages and might be part of growth regulation, its distribution in the stomach of rats was investigated at 14, 30, and 50 d old.Results: Although the protein restriction at 8% increased the intake of food and body weight, the body mass was lower (P < 0.05). The stomach and intestine were also smaller but increased proportionately throughout treatment. Cell proliferation was estimated through DNA synthesis and metaphase indices, and lower rates (P < 0.05) were detected at the different ages. The inhibition was concomitant with a larger number of ghrelin-immunolabeled cells at 30 and 50 d postnatally.Conclusion: Protein restriction impairs cell proliferation in the gastric epithelium, and a ghrelin upsurge under this condition is parallel to lower gastric and body growth rates.

More discrepancies around saturated fat and cardiovascular diseases

Uffe Ravnskov — 2012-06-01

In his review on the influence of saturated fat on cardiovascular disease, Robert Hoenselaar pointed to several discrepancies between the official guidelines and the results from the relevant literature . The habit to ignore or misquote results that contradict the dietary guidelines is not new, however. In 1995, I published a review in which I mentioned some contradictory studies that should have been mentioned by the authors of three authoritative American reviews about diet and cardiovascular disease . Only 2 of 12 groups of such studies were quoted correctly and in only one of the reviews. About half the studies were ignored. The rest were quoted irrelevantly, or insignificant findings in favor of the diet–heart hypothesis were inflated, or unsupportive results were quoted as if they were supportive. Only one of six randomized cholesterol-lowering trials with a negative outcome was cited and in only one of the reviews. In contrast, each review cited two, four, and six non-randomized trials with a positive outcome, respectively.

2012-06-01

15th JMK Nestle Nutrition Awards

2012-06-01

Nutrition

Obesity: The preventive role of the pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Novel phytonutrient contributors to antioxidant protection against cardiovascular disease

What is the optimum research strategy to study the effects of phytochemicals on disease prevention?

The pathophysiology underlying the obesity paradox

The obesity paradox in elderly patients with heart failure: Analysis of nutritional status

Superiority of a fish oil–enriched emulsion to medium-chain triacylglycerols/long-chain triacylglycerols in gastrointestinal surgery patients: A randomized clinical trial

Weight loss and resting energy expenditure in patients with chronic hepatitis C before and during standard treatment

Arginase I and the very low-density lipoprotein receptor are associated with phenotypic biomarkers for obesity

Anemia prevalence and its determinants in Brazilian institutionalized elderly

High-carbohydrate/low-protein–induced hyperinsulinemia does not improve protein balance in children after cardiac surgery

Postprandial substrate use in overweight subjects with the metabolic syndrome after isomaltulose (Palatinose™) ingestion

Association of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) intake and dietary intervention and effects on oxidative stress biomarkers of dyslipidemic subjects

Influence of yeast-derived 1,3/1,6 glucopolysaccharide on circulating cytokines and chemokines with respect to upper respiratory tract infections

Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Arginine decreases Cryptosporidium parvum infection in undernourished suckling mice involving nitric oxide synthase and arginase

Ascorbic acid protects the diaphragm muscle against myonecrosis in mdx mice

Dietary iron supplements may affect stress adaptation and aggravate stress hyperglycemia in a rat model of psychological stress

Effects of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia on skin development of rat fetuses

Protein restriction inhibits gastric cell proliferation during rat postnatal growth in parallel to ghrelin changes

More discrepancies around saturated fat and cardiovascular diseases

Table of Contents

15th JMK Nestle Nutrition Awards