Nutrition

Ergogenic dietary aids for the elderly

E. Paul Cherniack — 2011-12-22

Abstract: Ergogenic dietary aids might be useful adjunctive therapy to enhance the effects of exercise in the elderly, who lose physical function with age. Many such aids have been tested in athletes and untrained younger persons in laboratory and athletic performance settings, with positive results, although not all studies have demonstrated benefit. Some substances have been tested in the elderly, including creatine, caffeine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, ubiquinone, and carnitine. The published medical evidence for the use of these substances is considered in this review article. All studies have involved a few subjects for a short period. Studies of creatine alone or together with exercise in old persons have yielded mixed results. These studies have confirmed that creatine in older individuals, as in younger individuals, can increase the short-term capacity to perform quick, repeated episodes of intense activity. An investigation of caffeine has suggested that in older as in younger individuals, caffeine increases endurance but may not improve other parameters of exercise capacity. Evidence has implied β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate can increase the ability to perform certain short-term activities requiring strength, but not others. Carnitine has been reported to decrease fatigue and increase endurance in older persons. An investigation of ubiquinone has shown no benefit. Further testing has involved the combinations of agents, such as creatine and caffeine, and combinations of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, showing some small improvements in physical function. Future research with these and potentially other combinations over a longer duration will be needed to establish the safety and efficacy of ergogenic dietary aids.

The role of probiotics in gastrointestinal surgery

Maria Isabel T.D. Correia, Juliana C. Liboredo, Marcella L.D. Consoli — 2012-03-01

Abstract: The intestinal microbiota, which is a complex and dynamic population of different bacterial species, represents an important contribution to the health of the host. This microbiota plays a key role by promoting the integrity of the epithelial barrier and the development of mucosal immunity. However, under some stressful situations, such as after gastrointestinal surgery, infectious complications may originate from the intestinal microbiota of the patient. This phenomenon is known as the gut origin of sepsis hypothesis. However, the supply of probiotics has beneficial effects under similar conditions despite some controversial results. Therefore, it is important to carefully assess the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of complications in surgical patients and to evaluate the safety of its use. This review provides an overview of the proposed mechanisms of probiotic action and the significant progress in this field, mainly concerning gastrointestinal surgery.

Sulfur amino acid-free diet results in increased glutamate in human midbrain: A pilot magnetic resonance spectroscopic study

2011-09-15

Abstract: Objective: This pilot study was designed to determine if metabolic effects in different brain regions (left and right parietal lobes, midbrain) caused by 3 d of food consumption without methionine or cysteine could be detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Methods: Healthy individuals 18 to 36 y old (n = 8) were studied by magnetic resonance spectroscopy after receiving a diet with adequate sulfur amino acids (SAAs) or with zero SAA for 3 d. Pulse sequences were used to selectively measure glutathione (GSH), and linear combination modeling of spectra was used to measure other high-abundance brain metabolites and expressed relative to creatine (Cr).Results: Although dietary SAAs are required to maintain GSH, the 3-d SAA insufficiency resulted in no significant change in GSH/Cr in the three brain regions. Principal component analysis of 16 metabolites measured by linear combination modeling showed that the metabolic pattern in the midbrain, but not in the parietal lobes, was distinguished according to the dietary SAAs. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the major discriminating factors were signals of glutamate/Cr, (glutamate + glutamine)/Cr, and myoinositol/Cr. Correlation analyses between midbrain metabolites and GSH-related metabolites in plasma showed that midbrain glutamate/Cr had an inverse correlation with plasma cystine.Conclusion: The data show that magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a non-invasive tool suitable for nutritional assessment and suggest that nutritional imbalance caused by 3 d of SAA-free food more selectively affects the midbrain than the parietal lobes.

Dietary patterns and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among Iranian children

Leila Azadbakht, Ahmad Esmaillzadeh — 2011-08-26

Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted to assess the relation of major dietary patterns identified by factor analysis to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a group of Iranian school-age children.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 375 school-age children in Tehran, Iran. We assessed usual dietary intakes by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The presence of ADHD was diagnosed using the questionnaire of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis.Results: The prevalence of ADHD was 9.7% in this population. We identified four major dietary patterns: “healthy,” “Western,” “sweet,” and “fast food.” After controlling for potential confounders, children in the top quintile of the sweet dietary pattern score had greater odds for having ADHD compared with those in the lowest quintile (odds ratio 3.95, 95% confidence interval 1.16–15.31, P for trend = 0.03). Greater adherence to the fast-food dietary pattern was significantly associated with a higher risk of having ADHD (odds ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 1.05–10.90, P for trend = 0.03). No overall significant associations were seen between the healthy or Western dietary pattern and ADHD.Conclusion: We found significant independent associations between the sweet and fast-food dietary patterns and the prevalence of ADHD. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease

Bor-Jen Lee, Yi-Chia Huang, Shu-Ju Chen, Ping-Ting Lin — 2011-10-13

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: This was an intervention study. Patients who were identified by cardiac catheterization as having at least 50% stenosis of one major coronary artery or receiving percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (n = 51) were randomly assigned to the placebo group (n = 14) or one of the two coenzyme Q10-supplemented groups (60 mg/d, n = 19 [Q10-60 group]; 150 mg/d, n = 18 [Q10-150 group]). Intervention was administered for 12 wk. Patients’ blood samples were analyzed every 4 wk for plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase) activity.Results: Forty-three subjects with CAD completed intervention study. Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration increased significantly after coenzyme the Q10-150 intervention (P < 0.01). The MDA levels were significantly lower than baseline in the Q10-150 group at week 4 (P = 0.03). The Q10-150 group had significantly lower MDA levels than the placebo group at week 8 (P = 0.03). With respect to antioxidant enzyme activity, subjects in the Q10-150 group had significantly higher CAT (P = 0.03) and SOD (P = 0.03) activity than the placebo group at week 12. The plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration was significantly correlated with MDA levels (r = −0.35, P = 0.02) and CAT (r = 0.43, P = 0.01) and SOD activity (r = 0.39, P = 0.01). The ratio of plasma coenzyme Q10 to total cholesterol was significantly correlated with SOD activity (r = 0.39, P = 0.02). The ratio of plasma coenzyme Q10 to low-density lipoprotein was significantly correlated with CAT (r = 0.35, P = 0.04) and SOD (r = 0.45, P = 0.01) activity. However, there was no relation between coenzyme Q10 concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity.Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 supplements at a dose of 150 mg can decrease oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with CAD. A higher dose of coenzyme Q10 supplements (>150 mg/d) might promote rapid and sustainable antioxidation in patients with CAD.

Use of mean spot urine sodium concentrations to estimate daily sodium intake in patients with chronic kidney disease

2011-10-13

Abstract: Objective: Sodium intake is an important issue for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The two most widely used methods to measure sodium are 24-h urinary sodium excretion (24HUNa), which can be difficult to perform routinely, and sodium intake by dietary recall, which can be inaccurate. This study evaluated use of the mean value of three spot urinary sodium (UNa) concentrations to estimate daily sodium intake in patients with CKD.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 305 patients with CKD, none of whom were on dialysis, who visited the nephrology clinic at the Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). We performed three spot UNa tests, three calculations of the UNa/creatinine (UCr) ratio, one measurement of 24HUNa, and one measurement of sodium intake by dietary recall.Results: The 24HUNa and mean spot UNa values were significantly lower in patients with more advanced CKD (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively). One-time spot UNa was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning for patients with stage III, IV, or V CKD. Total sodium intake, but not sodium nutrient density (milligrams of sodium per 1000 kcal), was significantly different for patients with different stages of CKD (P = 0.001). The correlation coefficient between 24HUNa and mean spot UNa was 0.477 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.384–0.562, P < 0.001), slightly higher than that between 24HUNa excretion and mean spot UNa/UCr (r = 0.313, 95% CI 0.207–0.465, P < 0.001). There was a linear relation between spot UNa and 24HUNa: mean spot UNa = 0.27 × 24HUNa + 60. Therefore, a 24HUNa excretion of 87 mEq (sodium intake 2 g/d) corresponded to a mean spot UNa level of 83 mEq/L. The correlation coefficient between sodium intake and mean spot UNa was 0.435 (95% CI 0.336–0.524, P < 0.001), significantly higher than that between sodium intake and mean spot UNa/UCr (r = 0.197, 95% CI 0.091–0.301, P = 0.001). Mean spot UNa tended to be better correlated with 24HUNa than with sodium intake.Conclusion: Mean spot UNa is a simple and effective method that can be used to monitor sodium intake in patients with CKD. A daily intake of 2 g of sodium corresponds to a mean spot UNa level of approximately 83 mEq/L in patients with CKD.

Body mass index is directly associated with biomarkers of angiogenesis and inflammation in children and adolescents

2011-11-24

Abstract: Objectives: Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which can be mediated by an increase in angiogenesis and inflammation. The objective was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and circulating biomarkers of angiogenesis, inflammation, and cardiac dysfunction in children and adolescents.Methods: The Genetic Park Study is a highly inclusive survey conducted in three isolated villages of southern Italy. One hundred fifty-one children and adolescents (age range 5–17 y, 45% male) were included and categorized as obese (BMI z-score ≥ 1.64, n = 38) or non-obese (n = 113). Metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers included glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor, soluble feline sarcoma virus (fms)-like tyrosine kinase-1, highly sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP), highly sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT), and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).Results: Obese subjects had higher levels of triacylglycerol (P = 0.03) and hs-CRP (P = 0.02) after adjustment for age and gender. Circulating levels of VEGF were directly associated with BMI z-score (r = 0.22, P = 0.007) and hs-CRP (r = 0.33, P < 0.001). BMI z-score was not associated with biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction (hs-TnT and NT-proBNP).Conclusion: Increasing BMI was associated with plasma levels hs-CRP and VEGF, which are involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The lack of association between BMI and markers of cardiac damage (hs-TnT) or ventricular volume overload (NT-proBNP) suggest that atherosclerotic risk may still at a preclinical stage in this population of obese but otherwise healthy young individuals. Collectively, this suite of biomarkers could provide mechanistic insights into the physiopathologic progression of cardiovascular risk associated with childhood obesity.

Malnutrition as an independent predictor of clinical outcome in critically ill children

Fernanda de Souza Menezes, Heitor Pons Leite, Paulo Cesar Koch Nogueira — 2011-08-29

Abstract: Objective: To determine the nutritional status of a cohort of children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and to assess the effect of malnutrition as an independent risk factor affecting outcome in this patient group.Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 385 children admitted to the ICU of a teaching hospital over a 2-y period were assessed for nutritional status at admission and clinical outcome. The outcome variables were 30-d mortality, length of ICU stay, and length of mechanical ventilation. Potential exposure variables were gender, age, diagnosis (clinical versus surgical), septic shock, malnutrition, and scores on the Pediatric Index of Mortality and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction. Nutritional status was determined using z scores of weight for age, height for age, and body mass index, based on the World Health Organization child growth standards. Patients with z score < −2 of anthropometric indexes were considered malnourished.Results: 175 patients (45.5%) were malnourished on admission. Sixteen patients of the malnourished group (9.14%) and 25 patients (11.9%) of the non-malnourished group died. Malnutrition was associated with greater length of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay, but not with mortality on univariate analysis. Malnutrition was associated with greater length of ventilation on the multiple logistic regression model (OR 1.76, 95%; CI 1.08-2.88; P = 0.024).Conclusion: Malnutrition is common among children admitted to an ICU. This factor was not a predictor of mortality but showed independent association with length of mechanical ventilation.

Usefulness of the Malnutrition Screening Tool in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Shigeru Miyata, Mikio Tanaka, Daizo Ihaku — 2011-11-07

Abstract: Objective: To examine the relation between the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) and the mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).Methods: Fifty-two patients with pulmonary TB were analyzed. Nutritional assessment was carried out using the MST. The MST incorporates three components: presence of weight loss (score 0 or 2), amount of weight lost (score 1–4), and poor food intake or poor appetite (score 0 or 1). A score ≥2 means that the patient is at risk for malnutrition. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to assess the ability of the MST to predict prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the MST score as a prognostic indicator in patients with pulmonary TB. To obtain optimal cutoff values for the MST score for the prognostic assessment in patients with TB, the maximum Youden index was used.Results: For predicting the risk of mortality, the optimal cutoff value for the MST score was 2.5. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified age and a MST score ≥3 as significant independent prognostic factors for survival. The patients with a MST score <3 had a median survival of 453 d and those with a MST score ≥3 had a median survival of 242 d; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001).Conclusion: The MST appears to be a reliable tool for the nutritional risk assessment of patients with pulmonary TB. This risk assessment tool can play a valuable role in quickly identifying patients at an increased risk of death and providing adequate nutritional support.

Lipoic acid attenuates high-fat-diet–induced oxidative stress and B-cell–related immune depression

Jue Cui, Ying Xiao, Yong-Hui Shi, Bin Wang, Guo-Wei Le — 2012-03-01

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated whether spleen oxidative stress induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) influences the expression of genes involved in B-cell activation, thus leading to B-cell–related immunosuppression.Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of three groups with eight mice in each group. The control group consumed an ordinary diet (4.9% fat, w/w). The other two groups were fed an HFD (21.2% fat) and an HFD plus 0.1% lipoic acid (LA). After 10 wk, plasma and spleen oxidative stress biomarkers including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, and malondialdehyde were examined. The B-cell–related immune function was evaluated by examining the number of B cells, and the apoptotic percentages of splenic lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the B-cell activation and reactive oxygen species scavenger-related genes differentially expressed between mice fed an HFD and those fed an HFD supplemented with LA were identified through complementary DNA microarray.Results: The HFD induced marked decreases in the number of B cells and significantly increased the apoptotic percentages of splenic lymphocytes, accompanied by oxidative stress and increased oxidative damage, in the plasma and spleen. In addition, complementary DNA array analysis results showed that the HFD induced the decreased expression of genes associated with antioxidant defense, such as superoxide dismutase-3 (1.5-fold), metallothionein-1 (3.03-fold), glutathione peroxidase-5 (17.15-fold), and peroxiredoxin-4 (1.5), and B-cell activation, such as immunoglobulin heavy chain 6 (2.46-fold), immunoglobulin κ-chain (1.74-fold), Fc receptor (1.41-fold), and RAS-related C3 botulinum substrate-1 (7.46). The LA supplement prevented the buildup of oxidative stress and upregulated related gene expressions.Conclusion: These results indicate a role for LA as a possible effective supplement with an HFD to prevent the development of oxidative stress and to attenuate B-cell damnification by increasing the gene expression of the B-cell receptor signaling pathway.

Vitamin A deficiency aggravates iron deficiency by upregulating the expression of iron regulatory protein-2

Shan Jiang, Chao-xu Wang, Lan Lan, Dan Zhao — 2011-12-12

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism between vitamin A deficiency and anemia.Methods: In this study, we performed animal and in vitro experiments to investigate the effect of vitamin A deficiency on iron regulator protein-2 (IRP2). In animal experiments, four parallel groups of rats were fed a control diet, a diet completely deficient in vitamin A, a diet marginally deficiency in vitamin A, and a diet marginally deficient in iron and vitamin A, respectively, for 8 wk. In the in vitro experiments, the primary hepatocytes were acquired from the livers of vitamin A- and iron-depleted rats. Ferritin (Fn), transferrin receptor (TfR), and IRP2 mRNA were measured by semiquantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results: As expected, a decrease in the serum retinol concentration and an imbalance of iron metabolism existed in the vitamin A–deficient rats. The IRP2 mRNA level of the rats in the test groups was approximately two times that of the control group, whereas the Fn mRNA level and the TfR mRNA level were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, by the vitamin A deficiency. In the in vitro experiments, all-trans-retinoic acid induced a decrease of the IRP2 mRNA level in hepatocytes, whereas the Fn, TfR, and IRP2 mRNA levels regulated by all-trans-retinoic acid were reversed by the vitamin A receptor blocker Ro41-5253.Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that vitamin A is involved in the regulation of IRP2, subsequently affecting iron metabolism gene expressions, such as Fn and TfR. Investigating the mechanistic connection between vitamin A and iron metabolism would be helpful to characterize the importance of this nutrient–nutrient interaction.

Effects of dietary glutamine on inflammatory mediator gene expressions in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Pei-Hsuan Tsai, Chui-Li Yeh, Jun-Jen Liu, Wan-Chun Chiu, Sung-Ling Yeh — 2011-10-13

Abstract: Objectives: This study investigated the effects of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on gene expressions of inflammatory mediators and cytokines associated with T-helper cell type 17 (Th17) regulation in diabetic rats.Methods: There were one normal control group and two diabetic groups in this study. Rats in the normal control group were fed a regular chow diet. One diabetic group (DM) was fed a common semipurified diet, and the other diabetic group received a diet in which part of the casein was replaced by Gln (DM-Gln), which provided 25% of the total amino acid nitrogen for 8 wk. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide followed by streptozotocin. Rats with blood glucose levels exceeding 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Blood samples and blood mononuclear cells of the animals were collected at the end of the study for further analysis.Results: Gene expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 and interleukin-17A did not differ in blood mononuclear cells among the three groups. Expressions of interleukin-6, interleukin-23, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and the receptor of the advanced glycated endproducts gene were higher in blood mononuclear cells and the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione was lower in erythrocytes in the DM group than in the normal control group. Messenger RNA expressions of these genes were lower, whereas the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione was higher in the DM-Gln group than in the DM group.Conclusion: Supplemental dietary Gln increased the antioxidant potential and downregulated the expressions of inflammatory mediators. However, Th17 might not be an important involved pathway and the regulatory effect of Gln on Th17 immune response was not obvious in this animal model.

Intermittent fasting up-regulates Fsp27/Cidec gene expression in white adipose tissue

Joanna Karbowska, Zdzislaw Kochan — 2011-10-13

Abstract: Objective: Fat-specific protein of 27 kDa (FSP27) is a novel lipid droplet protein that promotes triacylglycerol storage in white adipose tissue (WAT). The regulation of the Fsp27 gene expression in WAT is largely unknown. We investigated the nutritional regulation of FSP27 in WAT.Methods: The effects of intermittent fasting (48 d, eight cycles of 3-d fasting and 3-d refeeding), caloric restriction (48 d), fasting-refeeding (3-d fasting and 3-d refeeding), and fasting (3 d) on mRNA expression of FSP27, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ2), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and M isoform of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (a positive control for PPARγ activation) in epididymal WAT and on serum triacylglycerol, insulin, and leptin levels were determined in Wistar rats. We also determined the effects of PPARγ activation by rosiglitazone or pioglitazone on FSP27 mRNA levels in primary rat adipocytes.Results: Long-term intermittent fasting, in contrast to other dietary manipulations, significantly up-regulated Fsp27 gene expression in WAT. Moreover, in rats subjected to intermittent fasting, serum insulin levels were elevated; PPARγ2 and C/EBPα mRNA expression in WAT was increased, and there was a positive correlation of Fsp27 gene expression with PPARγ2 and C/EBPα mRNA levels. FSP27 mRNA expression was also increased in adipocytes treated with PPARγ agonists.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the transcription of the Fsp27 gene in adipose tissue may be induced in response to nutritional stimuli. Furthermore, PPARγ2, C/EBPα, and insulin may be involved in the nutritional regulation of FSP27. Thus intermittent fasting, despite lower caloric intake, may promote triacylglycerol deposition in WAT by increasing the expression of genes involved in lipid storage, such as Fsp27.

Caffeoylquinic acid-rich extract from chicory seeds improves glycemia, atherogenic index, and antioxidant status in rats

Adam Jurgoński, Jerzy Juśkiewicz, Zenon Zduńczyk, Bogusław Król — 2011-10-20

Abstract: Objective: Comparison of the effects of a high-fructose diet supplemented with rutin, a phenolic compound with well-recognized bioavailability and bioactivity, and a chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) seed extract rich in caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) on gut physiology and the development of disorders related to metabolic syndrome.Methods: A 28-d experiment was conducted on 32 young male Wistar rats. In comparison with control rats fed a standard corn starch diet (group C), the experimental group (group E) was fed a diet with an increased content of cholesterol and fructose (to 1% and 66% of the diet, respectively), as well as with oxidized soybean oil. Rats from the other two experimental groups were administered the same diet as group E during the first 2 wk of feeding, whereas at the beginning of the last 2 wk, the diet was enriched with rutin (group ER) or the CQA-rich ethanol extract from chicory seeds (9.6% of CQA, group EC), so the amount of added phenolics was equal in both dietary groups (0.15%).Results: The diet administered in group E caused hyperglycemia and increased blood serum atherogenicity in rats, but did not induce other manifestations of the metabolic syndrome, i.e., dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Additionally, it affected gut physiology through increasing mucosal sucrase activity and disturbing fermentative processes in the cecum, such as the production of short-chain fatty acids and the activity of microbial enzymes. Similarly to rutin, the dietary addition of the chicory seed extract improved glycemia, which was comparable to that determined in group C. In addition, the extract was found to decrease the atherogenic index to the level observed in group C and to increase blood antioxidant status. Both dietary supplements reduced the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in kidney and heart tissue when compared with group E.Conclusion: The potential efficacy of the CQA-rich extract from chicory seeds in improving diet-induced metabolic disturbances proved to be better than that of rutin; thus, the extract might be considered as a dietary supplement for carrying out clinical trials.

Adipocyte morphology and leptin signaling in rat offspring from mothers supplemented with flaxseed during lactation

2011-10-13

Abstract: Objective: We have recently shown that maternal flaxseed supplementation during lactation induces insulin resistance in adult offspring. Here, we studied the effects of maternal dietary flaxseed during lactation on adipocyte morphology and leptin signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis as well as on behavioral traits in the adult progeny.Methods: Lactating rats were fed a control (C) diet or a diet with 25% flaxseed (F). After weaning, pups received a standard diet until postnatal day (PN) 180. Male offspring were killed at PN21 and 180. Data were considered significant at P < 0.05.Results: Weaned F rats presented a lower total and subcutaneous fat mass and higher subcutaneous adipocyte area (+48%), but at adulthood they presented higher subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte areas (+40% and 1.9-fold increase, respectively), with no change in body fat mass. At PN21, F pups had hyperleptinemia (+69%), lower T3 (−33%), higher TSH (2.1-fold increase), higher pituitary leptin receptor (Ob-R, +11%), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3, +21%), and phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT3, +77%) protein content. Adult F offspring only showed lower T4 (−28%) and higher thyroid Ob-R (+52%) expression. Maternal flaxseed intake during lactation did not result in behavioral changes in the adult offspring.Conclusions: Maternal flaxseed supplementation decreases offspring adiposity and increases pituitary leptin signaling at weaning, but it induces hypertrophic adipocytes and higher thyroid leptin receptor in adulthood. The present data suggest that extensive use of flaxseed during lactation is undesirable.

Effects of high-fat diet on plasma lipids, adiposity, and inflammatory markers in ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice

2011-11-14

Abstract: Objective: We hypothesized that a high-fat (HF) diet aggravates ovariectomy-related complications. To test this hypothesis, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were fed a HF diet, and we investigated the lipid metabolism, adipose tissue remodeling, adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines.Methods: To investigate the situation in a mouse model of ovariectomy, OVX and SHAM C57BL/6 mice fed a HF diet (60% fat) or standard chow (SC, 10% fat) were monitored for 18 wk. We evaluated daily food intake and weekly body weight. Mice were killed at 30 wk of age. Blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for biochemical, histologic, and molecular analysis.Results: OVX groups showed atrophied uterus compared to the SHAM groups, ensuring the success of surgically induced menopause. Despite lower food intake, OVX-HF mice gained about 52% more weight and had heavier total body fats, especially in relation to ovarian fat pad (372%)—a visceral fat which is associated with increased pathogenicity in obesity, and showed larger adipocytes (30%) when compared to OVX-SC mice. Biochemical analysis showed that the OVX-HF mice had increased levels of serum total cholesterol (51%), greater serum triglycerides (158%), lower serum adiponectin (40%), and higher plasma leptin (323%) than OVX-SC mice. The obese group (OVX-HF) also had higher IL-6 levels than both SHAM-HF (241%) and OVX-SC mice (870%).Conclusion: OVX C57BL/6 mice fed HF diet had greater adipose fat pad, larger adipocytes, and increased inflammatory markers, reinforcing the idea that a HF diet aggravates the complications of ovariectomy-associated inflammation.

Influence of dietary blueberry and broccoli on cecal microbiota activity and colon morphology in mdr1a−/− mice, a model of inflammatory bowel diseases

2011-11-24

Abstract: Objective: Enteric microbiota has been shown to be associated with various pathological conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory colonic effects of blueberries and broccoli in mdr1a−/− mice (IBD mouse model) through modification of microbiota composition in the gastrointestinal tract.Methods: The mdr1a−/− mice were fed either a control diet or the control diet supplemented with either 10% blueberry or broccoli for 21 wk. We investigated the influence of these diets on cecal microbiota and organic acids, colon morphology, and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes.Results: In comparison to mice fed the control diet, blueberry and broccoli supplementation altered cecum microbiota similarly with the exception of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which was found to be significantly lower in broccoli-fed mice. High concentrations of butyric acid and low concentrations of succinic acid were observed in the cecum of broccoli-fed mice. Blueberry- and broccoli-supplemented diets increased colon crypt size and the number of goblet cells per crypt. Only the broccoli-supplemented diet significantly lowered colonic inflammation compared to mice fed the control diet. Translocation of total microbes to mesenteric lymph nodes was lower in broccoli-fed mice compared to blueberry and control diet groups.Conclusion: Dietary blueberries and/or broccoli altered the composition and metabolism of the cecal microbiota and colon morphology. Overall, these results warrant further investigation through clinical studies to establish whether the consumption of blueberries and/or broccoli is able to alter the composition and metabolism of large intestine microbiota and promote colon health in humans.

Skim milk powder enhances trabecular bone architecture compared with casein or whey in diet-induced obese rats

2011-11-28

Abstract: Objective: We previously showed that skim milk powder (SMP) prevents weight gain more so than casein or whey alone. Dairy foods and changes in body mass can affect bone architecture; therefore, our objective was to examine the effect of dairy proteins on bone structure in the tibia of dietary-induced obese rats.Methods: Twelve-week-old diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of six diets that varied in protein source (casein, whey, or SMP), Ca level (0.67% or 2.4%), and energy density (high-fat/high-sucrose [HFHS], or normal energy density [NE]). After 8 wk, body composition was assessed via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and trabecular and cortical bone parameters of the tibia were assessed using micro-computed tomography and mixed model analysis.Results: Rats fed SMP with 2.4% calcium had significantly lower body mass and fat mass than all other groups. The ratio of bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) was significantly higher when the HFHS diet was supplemented with SMP and 2.4% calcium compared with whey (+66.7%) or casein (+32.6%). The HFHS diet group had 49.3% greater BV/TV compared with the NE groups. Increasing the amount of calcium resulted in a significant increase in BV/TV (188.9%) in the HFHS diet groups but not in the NE groups.Conclusion: The intake of skim milk powder supplemented with calcium enhances trabecular bone architecture in obese rats consuming HFHS diet to a greater extent than with either casein or whey protein alone. Bioactive ingredients in complete dairy may contribute to these effects.

Cysteine: The Fun-Ke Nutraceutical

Robert A. McPherson, Gil Hardy — 2011-10-04

The “conditionally essential” sulphur-amino acid cysteine plays a critical role in antioxidant defenses and has extensive involvement in many biologic pathways. Lacking in many diets, levels of cysteine and its metabolites decrease dramatically as we age and dietary deficiencies may lead to chronic inflammation, contributing to the development and progression of several diseases caused by the breakdown of antioxidant mechanisms . An important antioxidant is glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, the synthesis of which is primarily regulated by availability of cysteine and activity of the enzyme, glutamate cysteine ligase. Increasing, GSH synthesis may be therapeutic for aging, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, cancer, stroke, and diabetes . Most recently, it has been demonstrated in young adult volunteers on a cysteine-free diet, that sulphur repletion rapidly improves fasting plasma cysteine/cystine redox potential, a potentially important biomarker for cardiovascular disease .

Functional foods: Needs, claims, and benefits

Adele H. Hite, Larry H. Bernstein — 2011-12-02

Medicinal chemistry originates in the extraction of plant-based products based on the recognition that “foods” have healing properties. The best example of this is the derivation of digitalis from foxglove, a flowering plant with known toxicity . A second example is the development of warfarin by Karl Paul Link who isolated and characterized the hemorrhagic factor in spoiled sweet clover hay associated with an epidemic of “bleeding disease” in cattle caused by a deficiency in prothrombin . Other examples of medicines derived from plants are curare (from South America) used as a muscle relaxant and vincaleukoblastine (from Madagascar) from white periwinkle used to treat leukemia.

2012-03-01

Nutrition

Ergogenic dietary aids for the elderly

The role of probiotics in gastrointestinal surgery

Sulfur amino acid-free diet results in increased glutamate in human midbrain: A pilot magnetic resonance spectroscopic study

Dietary patterns and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among Iranian children

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease

Use of mean spot urine sodium concentrations to estimate daily sodium intake in patients with chronic kidney disease

Body mass index is directly associated with biomarkers of angiogenesis and inflammation in children and adolescents

Malnutrition as an independent predictor of clinical outcome in critically ill children

Usefulness of the Malnutrition Screening Tool in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Lipoic acid attenuates high-fat-diet–induced oxidative stress and B-cell–related immune depression

Vitamin A deficiency aggravates iron deficiency by upregulating the expression of iron regulatory protein-2

Effects of dietary glutamine on inflammatory mediator gene expressions in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Intermittent fasting up-regulates Fsp27/Cidec gene expression in white adipose tissue

Caffeoylquinic acid-rich extract from chicory seeds improves glycemia, atherogenic index, and antioxidant status in rats

Adipocyte morphology and leptin signaling in rat offspring from mothers supplemented with flaxseed during lactation

Effects of high-fat diet on plasma lipids, adiposity, and inflammatory markers in ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice

Influence of dietary blueberry and broccoli on cecal microbiota activity and colon morphology in mdr1a−/− mice, a model of inflammatory bowel diseases

Skim milk powder enhances trabecular bone architecture compared with casein or whey in diet-induced obese rats

Cysteine: The Fun-Ke Nutraceutical

Functional foods: Needs, claims, and benefits

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