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Title:
Insulin sensitivity indices: fasting versus glucose-stimulated ındices in pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors:
Ozhan, B.; Ersoy, B.; Kiremitci, S.; Ozkol, M.; Taneli, F.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare insulin sensitivity indices, fasting vs glucose stimulated, in children and adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred-eleven obese children with median age of 11.24 ± 2.65 years were evaluated. After initial clinical and anthropometric examination, B-mode ultrasonography (USG) was performed and all subjects underwent Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (Homa-IR), the insulinogenic index (IGI), the Matsuda index, and the oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) model were used to determine peripheral insulin sensitivity. RESULTS: 59.24% (68 boys, 57 girls) of obese children had NALFD. The prevalence of FLD in obese adolescents was significantly higher than in prepubertal children (65.8% vs. 51.5%). Fasting glucose, insulin, Homa-IR, QUICKI, and OGIS and Matsuda were significantly different between subjects with and without NALFD. Insulin and glucose indices were not found to be significantly different in the prepubertal group, whereas Homa-IR, QUICKI, Matsuda, and OGIS were significantly different in the pubertal group. Age, waist circumference, and OUICKI were found to be risk factors associated with the presence of NALFD in the logistic-regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Age, waist circumference, and OUICKI were found to be risk factors associated with NALFD. As the value of QUICKI decreases, the probability of having steatosis increases. Although OGTT results gave the information about the glucose tolerance of a subject, indices derived from OGTT were not found to be superior to the traditional surrogates such as Homa-IR or QUICKI.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
Interaction of dietary fat intake with APOA2, APOA5 and LEPR polymorphisms and its relationship with obesity and dyslipidemia in young subjects
Authors:
Dominguez-Reyes, Teresa; Astudillo-Lopez, Constanza C.; Salgado-Goytia, Lorenzo; Munoz-Valle, Jose F.; Salgado-Bernabe, Aralia B.; Guzman-Guzman, Iris P.; Castro-Alarcon, Natividad; Moreno-Godinez, Ma E.; Parra-Rojas, Isela
Abstract:
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that dietary fat intake modifies the effect of APOA5 and LEPR polymorphisms on serum triglycerides, cholesterol levels and obesity in young subjects.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
Lean-seafood intake reduces cardiovascular lipid risk factors in healthy subjects: results from a randomized controlled trial with a crossover design
Authors:
Aadland, Eli Kristin; Lavigne, Charles; Graff, Ingvild Eide; Eng, Oyvin; Paquette, Martine; Holthe, Asle; Mellgren, Gunnar; Jacques, Helene; Liaset, Bjorn
Abstract:
CONCLUSION: The dietary protein source determines fasting and postprandial lipids in healthy individuals in a manner that may have an effect on the long-term development of cardiovascular disease. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01708681. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
Neuromodulation and metamodulation by adenosine: Impact and subtleties upon synaptic plasticity regulation
Authors:
Sebastião, Ana M.; Ribeiro, Joaquim A.
Abstract:
Synaptic plasticity mechanisms, i.e. the sequence of events that underlies persistent changes in synaptic strength as a consequence of transient alteration in neuronal firing, are greatly influenced by the 'chemical atmosphere' of the synapses, that is to say by the presence of molecules at the synaptic cleft able to fine-tune the activity of other molecules more directly related to plasticity. One of those fine tuners is adenosine, known for a long time as an ubiquitous neuromodulator and metamodulator and recognized early as influencing synaptic plasticity. In this review we will refer to the mechanisms that adenosine can use to affect plasticity, emphasizing aspects of the neurobiology of adenosine relevant to its ability to control synaptic functioning.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
Phytosterols, Phytostanols, and Lipoprotein Metabolism. [Review]
Authors:
Gylling, Helena; Simonen, Piia
Abstract:
The efficacy of phytosterols and phytostanols added to foods and food supplements to obtain significant non-pharmacologic serum and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction is well documented. Irrespective of age, gender, ethnic background, body weight, background diet, or the cause of hypercholesterolemia and, even added to statin treatment, phytosterols and phytostanols at 2 g/day significantly lower LDL cholesterol concentration by 8%-10%. They do not affect the concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) or serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. In some studies, phytosterols and phytostanols have modestly reduced serum triglyceride levels especially in subjects with slightly increased baseline concentrations. Phytosterols and phytostanols lower LDL cholesterol by displacing cholesterol from mixed micelles in the small intestine so that cholesterol absorption is partially inhibited. Cholesterol absorption and synthesis have been carefully evaluated during phytosterol and phytostanol supplementation. However, only a few lipoprotein kinetic studies have been performed, and they revealed that LDL apoprotein B-100 transport rate was reduced. LDL particle size was unchanged, but small dense LDL cholesterol concentration was reduced. In subjects with metabolic syndrome and moderate hypertriglyceridemia, phytostanols reduced not only non- high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration but also serum triglycerides by 27%, and reduced the large and medium size very low density lipoprotein particle concentrations. In the few postprandial studies, the postprandial lipoproteins were reduced, but detailed studies with apoprotein B-48 are lacking. In conclusion, more kinetic studies are required to obtain a more complete understanding of the fasting and postprandial lipoprotein metabolism caused by phytosterols and phytostanols. It seems obvious, however, that the most atherogenic lipoprotein particles will be diminished.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
Relationship between muscle water and glycogen recovery after prolonged exercise in the heat in humans
Authors:
Fernández-Elías, Valentín E.; Ortega, Juan F.; Nelson, Rachael K.; Mora-Rodriguez, Ricardo
Abstract:
PURPOSE: It is usually stated that glycogen is stored in human muscle bound to water in a proportion of 1:3 g. We investigated this proportion in biopsy samples during recovery from prolonged exercise. METHODS: On two occasions, nine aerobically trained subjects ([Formula: see text] = 54.4 ± 1.05 mL kg(-1) min(-1); mean ± SD) dehydrated 4.6 ± 0.2 % by cycling 150 min at 65 % [Formula: see text] in a hot-dry environment (33 ± 4 °C). One hour after exercise subjects ingested 250 g of carbohydrates in 400 mL of water (REHLOW) or the same syrup plus water to match fluid losses (i.e., 3170 ± 190 mL; REHFULL). Muscle biopsies were obtained before, 1 and 4 h after exercise. RESULTS: In both trials muscle water decreased from pre-exercise similarly by 13 ± 6 % and muscle glycogen by 44 ± 10 % (P < 0.05). After recovery, glycogen levels were similar in both trials (79 ± 15 and 87 ± 18 g kg(-1) dry muscle; P = 0.20) while muscle water content was higher in REHFULL than in REHLOW (3814 ± 222 vs. 3459 ± 324 g kg(-1) dm, respectively; P
Published:
2015-09
Title:
TAS1R3 and UCN2 Transcript Levels in Blood Cells Are Associated With Sugary and Fatty Food Consumption in Children
Authors:
Priego, T.; Sánchez, J.; Picó, C.; Ahrens, W.; De Henauw, S.; Kourides, Y.; Lissner, L.; Molnár, D.; Moreno, L. A.; Russo, P.; Siani, A.; Veidebaum, T.; Palou, A.; IDEFICS and the I.Family consortia
Abstract:
CONTEXT: New types of dietary exposure biomarkers are needed to implement effective strategies for obesity prevention in children. Of special interest are biomarkers of consumption of food rich in simple sugars and fat because their intake has been associated with obesity development. Peripheral blood cells (PBCs) represent a promising new tool for identifying novel, transcript-based biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to study potential associations between the transcripts of taste receptor type 1 member 3 (TAS1R3) and urocortin II (UCN2) genes in PBCs and the frequency of sugary and fatty food consumption in children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred sixty-three children from the IDEFICS cohort were selected to include a similar number of boys and girls, both normal-weight and overweight, belonging to eight European countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric parameters (measured at baseline and in a subset of 193 children after 2 years), food consumption frequency and transcript levels of TAS1R3 and UCN2 genes in PBCs were measured. RESULTS: Children with low-frequency consumption of sugary foods displayed higher TAS1R3 expression levels with respect to those with intermediate or high frequency. In turn, children with high-frequency consumption of fatty foods showed lower UCN2 expression levels with respect to those with low or intermediate frequency. Moreover, transcripts of TAS1R3 were related with body mass index and fat-mass changes after a 2-year follow-up period, with low expression levels of this gene being related with increased fat accumulation over time. CONCLUSION: The transcripts of TAS1R3 and UCN2 in PBCs may be considered potential biomarkers of consumption of sugary and fatty food, respectively, to complement data of food-intake questionnaires.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
The dynamics of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy: Implications for human health and disease
Authors:
Stewart, James B.; Chinnery, Patrick F.
Abstract:
Common genetic variants of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) increase the risk of developing several of the major health issues facing the western world, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this Review, we consider how these mtDNA variants arose and how they spread from their origin on one single molecule in a single cell to be present at high levels throughout a specific organ and, ultimately, to contribute to the population risk of common age-related disorders. mtDNA persists in all aerobic eukaryotes, despite a high substitution rate, clonal propagation and little evidence of recombination. Recent studies have found that de novo mtDNA mutations are suppressed in the female germ line; despite this, mtDNA heteroplasmy is remarkably common. The demonstration of a mammalian mtDNA genetic bottleneck explains how new germline variants can increase to high levels within a generation, and the ultimate fixation of less-severe mutations that escape germline selection explains how they can contribute to the risk of late-onset disorders.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
The scientific report guiding the US dietary guidelines: Is it scientific?
Authors:
Teicholz, Nina
Abstract:
The expert report underpinning the next set of US Dietary Guidelines for Americans fails to reflect much relevant scientific literature in its reviews of crucial topics and therefore risks giving a misleading picture, an investigation by The BMJ has found. The omissions seem to suggest a reluctance by the committee behind the report to consider any evidence that contradicts the last 35 years of nutritional advice.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
Validation of the omega-3 fatty acid intake measured by a web-based food frequency questionnaire against omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells in men with prostate cancer
Authors:
Allaire, J.; Moreel, X.; Labonté, M.-È; Léger, C.; Caron, A.; Julien, P.; Lamarche, B.; Fradet, V.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a web-based self-administered food frequency questionnaire (web-FFQ) to assess the omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids (FAs) intake of men affected with prostate cancer (PCa) against a biomarker. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study presented herein is a sub-study from a phase II clinical trial. Enrolled patients afflicted with PCa were included in the sub-study analysis if the FA profiles from the red blood cell (RBC) membranes and FA intakes at baseline were both determined at the time of the data analysis (n=60). Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the correlations between FA intakes and their proportions in the RBC membranes. RESULTS: Intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were highly correlated with their respective proportions in the RBC membranes (both rs=0.593, P
Published:
2015-09
Title:
What are the minimum requirements for ketogenic diet services in resource-limited regions? Recommendations from the International League Against Epilepsy Task Force for Dietary Therapy
Authors:
Kossoff, Eric H.; Al-Macki, Nabil; Cervenka, Mackenzie C.; Kim, Heung D.; Liao, Jianxiang; Megaw, Katherine; Nathan, Janak K.; Raimann, Ximena; Rivera, Rocio; Wiemer-Kruel, Adelheid; Williams, Emma; Zupec-Kania, Beth A.
Abstract:
Despite the increasing use of dietary therapies for children and adults with refractory epilepsy, the availability of these treatments in developing countries with limited resources remains suboptimal. One possible contributory factor may be the costs. There is often reported a significant perceived need for a large ketogenic diet team, supplements, laboratory studies, and follow-up visits to provide this treatment. The 2009 Epilepsia Consensus Statement described ideal requirements for a ketogenic diet center, but in some situations this is not feasible. As a result, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Dietary Therapy was asked to convene and provide practical, cost-effective recommendations for new ketogenic diet centers in resource-limited regions of the world.
Published:
2015-09
Title:
A glycolytic phenotype is associated with prostate cancer progression and aggressiveness: a role for monocarboxylate transporters as metabolic targets for therapy
Authors:
Pertega-Gomes, Nelma; Felisbino, Sergio; Massie, Charlie E.; Vizcaino, Jose R.; Coelho, Ricardo; Sandi, Chiranjeevi; Simoes-Sousa, Susana; Jurmeister, Sarah; Ramos-Montoya, Antonio; Asim, Mohammad; Tran, Maxine; Oliveira, Elsa; Lobo da Cunha, Alexandre; Maximo, Valdemar; Baltazar, Fatima; Neal, David E.; Fryer, Lee G. D.
Abstract:
Metabolic adaptation is considered an emerging hallmark of cancer, whereby cancer cells exhibit high rates of glucose consumption with consequent lactate production. To ensure rapid efflux of lactate, most cancer cells express high levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which therefore may constitute suitable therapeutic targets. The impact of MCT inhibition, along with the clinical impact of altered cellular metabolism during prostate cancer (PCa) initiation and progression, has not been described. Using a large cohort of human prostate tissues of different grades, in silico data, in vitro and ex vivo studies, we demonstrate the metabolic heterogeneity of PCa and its clinical relevance. We show an increased glycolytic phenotype in advanced stages of PCa and its correlation with poor prognosis. Finally, we present evidence supporting MCTs as suitable targets in PCa, affecting not only cancer cell proliferation and survival but also the expression of a number of hypoxia-inducible factor target genes associated with poor prognosis. Herein, we suggest that patients with highly glycolytic tumours have poorer outcome, supporting the notion of targeting glycolytic tumour cells in prostate cancer through the use of MCT inhibitors.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Aging-related anatomical and biochemical changes in lymphatic collectors impair lymph transport, fluid homeostasis, and pathogen clearance
Authors:
Zolla, Valerio; Nizamutdinova, Irina Tsoy; Scharf, Brian; Clement, Cristina C; Maejima, Daisuke; Akl, Tony; Nagai, Takashi; Luciani, Paola; Leroux, Jean-Christophe; Halin, Cornelia; Stukes, Sabriya; Tiwari, Sangeeta; Casadevall, Arturo; Jacobs, William R; Entenberg, David; Zawieja, David C; Condeelis, John; Fooksman, David R; Gashev, Anatoliy A; Santambrogio, Laura
Abstract:
The role of lymphatic vessels is to transport fluid, soluble molecules, and immune cells to the draining lymph nodes. Here, we analyze how the aging process affects the functionality of the lymphatic collectors and the dynamics of lymph flow. Ultrastructural, biochemical, and proteomic analysis indicates a loss of matrix proteins, and smooth muscle cells in aged collectors resulting in a decrease in contraction frequency, systolic lymph flow velocity, and pumping activity, as measured in vivo in lymphatic collectors. Functionally, this impairment also translated into a reduced ability for in vivo bacterial transport as determined by time-lapse microscopy. Ultrastructural and proteomic analysis also indicates a decrease in the thickness of the endothelial cell glycocalyx and loss of gap junction proteins in aged lymph collectors. Redox proteomic analysis mapped an aging-related increase in the glycation and carboxylation of lymphatic’s endothelial cell and matrix proteins. Functionally, these modifications translate into apparent hyperpermeability of the lymphatics with pathogen escaping from the collectors into the surrounding tissue and a decreased ability to control tissue fluid homeostasis. Altogether, our data provide a mechanistic analysis of how the anatomical and biochemical changes, occurring in aged lymphatic vessels, compromise lymph flow, tissue fluid homeostasis, and pathogen transport.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Cohort Profile: Estonian Biobank of the Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu
Authors:
Leitsalu, Liis; Haller, Toomas; Esko, Tõnu; Tammesoo, Mari-Liis; Alavere, Helene; Snieder, Harold; Perola, Markus; Ng, Pauline C.; Mägi, Reedik; Milani, Lili; Fischer, Krista; Metspalu, Andres
Abstract:
The Estonian Biobank cohort is a volunteer-based sample of the Estonian resident adult population (aged ≥18 years). The current number of participants-close to 52000--represents a large proportion, 5%, of the Estonian adult population, making it ideally suited to population-based studies. General practitioners (GPs) and medical personnel in the special recruitment offices have recruited participants throughout the country. At baseline, the GPs performed a standardized health examination of the participants, who also donated blood samples for DNA, white blood cells and plasma tests and filled out a 16-module questionnaire on health-related topics such as lifestyle, diet and clinical diagnoses described in WHO ICD-10. A significant part of the cohort has whole genome sequencing (100), genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data (20 000) and/or NMR metabolome data (11 000) available (http://www.geenivaramu.ee/for-scientists/data-release/). The data are continuously updated through periodical linking to national electronic databases and registries. A part of the cohort has been re-contacted for follow-up purposes and resampling, and targeted invitations are possible for specific purposes, for example people with a specific diagnosis. The Estonian Genome Center of the University of Tartu is actively collaborating with many universities, research institutes and consortia and encourages fellow scientists worldwide to co-initiate new academic or industrial joint projects with us.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Episodes of voluntary total fasting (hunger strike) in Spanish prisons: A descriptive analysis
Authors:
García-Guerrero, J.; Vera-Remartínez, E. J.; Hunger Strike in Prison Study Group
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To provide a description of the frequency and main features of the episodes of voluntary total fasting (VTF) taking place in Spanish prisons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information on the episodes of VTF reported between 04/01/2013 and 03/31/2014 was gathered. Once the appropriate informed consent was given, other data on social, demographic, penitentiary and clinical aspects were collected. A descriptive study of such variables together with a bivariate analysis was then carried out by means of standard statistical techniques and binary logistic regression models. IBM SPSS Statistics v.20 software was used for this purpose. This study was approved by an accredited Clinical Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: 354 episodes of VTF took place among an average population of 29,762 prisoners. Therefore, the incidence rate was 11.9 VTF episodes per ‰ inmates-year. Informed consent (IC) was given in 180 cases (50.8%). 114 were of Spanish nationality and the average age was 38.7 years old (95% CI 37.2-40.1). The median duration of the episodes was 3 days (IQR 1-10), ranged between 1 and 71 days. The main reason was a disagreement on the decisions of treatment groups (57 cases, 31.7%). The average weight loss was 1.3 kg (70.8 vs. 69.5; p < 0.0001) and 0.7 of the BMI (24.5 vs. 23.8; p
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Intermittent Fasting and Human Metabolic Health
Authors:
Patterson, Ruth E.; Laughlin, Gail A.; LaCroix, Andrea Z.; Hartman, Sheri J.; Natarajan, Loki; Senger, Carolyn M.; Martínez, María Elena; Villaseñor, Adriana; Sears, Dorothy D.; Marinac, Catherine R.; Gallo, Linda C.
Abstract:
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Meat quality assessment from young goats fed for long periods with castor de-oiled cake
Authors:
Oliveira, C. H. A.; Silva, A. M.; Silva, L. M.; van Tilburg, M. F.; Fernandes, C. C. L.; Moura, A. A.; Moreno, F. B. M. B.; Monteiro-Moreira, A. C. O.; Moreira, R. A.; Bezerra, F. J.; Rondina, D.
Abstract:
Diet can influence both the qualitative and quantitative traits of ruminant meat. This study evaluated the effects of castor de-oiled cake on the meat of mixed-breed male goat kids. After 165days of diet treatment, no alterations (p>0.05) were observed in the in vivo performance, anatomic components, dissection and proximate composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as in the color and pH of the carcasses. However, diet had an effect (p
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Muscle strength and hypertrophy occur independently of protein supplementation during short-term resistance training in untrained men
Authors:
Boone, Carleigh H.; Stout, Jeffrey R.; Beyer, Kyle S.; Fukuda, David H.; Hoffman, Jay R.
Abstract:
Short-term resistance training has consistently demonstrated gains in muscular strength, but not hypertrophy. Post-resistance training protein ingestion is posited to augment the acute anabolic stimulus, thus potentially accelerating changes in muscle size and strength. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of resistance training with protein supplementation on strength and muscle morphology changes in untrained men. Participants (mean ± SD; N = 18; age, 22.0 ± 2.5 years; body mass index, 25.1 ± 5.4 kg · m(-2)) were randomly assigned to a resistance training + protein group (n = 9; whey (17 g) + colostrum (3 g) + leucine (2 g)) or a resistance training + placebo group (n = 9). One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength in the leg press (LP) and leg extension (LE) exercises, maximal isometric knee extensor strength (MVIC), and muscle morphology (thickness (MT), cross-sectional area (CSA), pennation angle) of the dominant rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) was assessed before and after training. Participants performed LP and LE exercises (3 × 8-10; at 80% 1RM) 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Four weeks of resistance training resulted in significant increases in LP (p < 0.001), LE (p < 0.001), MVIC (p < 0.001), RF MT (p < 0.001), RF CSA (p < 0.001), VL MT (p < 0.001), and VL CSA (p
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Polyunsaturated Fat Intake Estimated by Circulating Biomarkers and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in a Population-Based Cohort of 60-Year-Old Men and Women
Authors:
Marklund, Matti; Leander, Karin; Vikstrom, Max; Laguzzi, Federica; Gigante, Bruna; Sjogren, Per; Cederholm, Tommy; de Faire, Ulf; Hellenius, Mai-Lis; Riserus, Ulf
Abstract:
CONCLUSIONS: Serum linoleic acid and very-long-chain n-3 PUFAs, partly reflecting vegetable oil and fish intake, respectively, were inversely associated with all-cause mortality. Inverse associations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docohexaenoic acid with incident CVD were observed only in women. Copyright © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Understanding Early Post-Mortem Biochemical Processes Underlying Meat Color and pH Decline in the Longissimus thoracis Muscle of Young Blond d'Aquitaine Bulls Using Protein Biomarkers
Authors:
Gagaoua, Mohammed; Terlouw, E. M. Claudia; Micol, Didier; Boudjellal, Abdelghani; Hocquette, Jean-Francois; Picard, Brigitte
Abstract:
Many studies on color biochemistry and protein biomarkers were undertaken in post-mortem beef muscles after >=24 hours. The present study was conducted on Longissimus thoracis muscles of 21 Blond d'Aquitaine young bulls to evaluate the relationships between protein biomarkers present during the early post-mortem and known to be related to tenderness and pH decline and color development. pH values at 45 min, 3 h, and 30 h post-mortem were correlated with three, seven, and six biomarkers, respectively. L*a*b* color coordinates 24 h post-mortem were correlated with nine, five, and eight protein biomarkers, respectively. Regression models included Hsp proteins and explained between 47 and 59% of the variability between individuals in pH and between 47 and 65% of the variability in L*a*b* color coordinates. Proteins correlated with pH and/or color coordinates were involved in apoptosis or had antioxidative or chaperone activities. The main results include the negative correlations between pH45 min, pH3 h, and pHu and Prdx6, which may be explained by the antioxidative and phospholipase activities of this biomarker. Similarly, inducible Hsp70-1A/B and mu-calpain were correlated with L*a*b* coordinates, due to the protective action of Hsp70-1A/B on the proteolytic activities of mu-calpain on structural proteins. Correlations existed further between MDH1, ENO3, and LDH-B and pH decline and color stability probably due to the involvement of these enzymes in the glycolytic pathway and, thus, the energy status of the cell. The present results show that research using protein indicators may increase the understanding of early post-mortem biological mechanisms involved in pH and beef color development.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Up to 7 Years of Sustained Weight Loss for Weight-Loss Program Completers
Authors:
Mitchell, Nia S.; Polsky, Sarit; Catenacci, Victoria A.; Furniss, Anna L.; Prochazka, Allan V.
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Two issues remain elusive in weight management programs: significant, long-term weight-loss maintenance and widely accessible programs that produce significant weight loss for reasonable costs. The purpose of this study is to determine the long-term weight loss of participants who consecutively renew their annual membership in Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a national, nonprofit, low-cost, peer-led weight-loss program. METHODS: This completers' analysis was a retrospective cohort study of overweight and obese men and women who joined TOPS in 2005-2011 and consecutively renewed their annual membership at least once. Data were analyzed from June to October 2013. TOPS participants' weights are sent to the national database when they join and at the time of their annual renewal; thus, follow-up weight is only available for those who renew their membership. Among 207,469 individuals who joined during the study period, 74,629 (35.9%) had at least one consecutive annual renewal and were included in the study. RESULTS: Cumulative mean (95% CI) weight change as a percentage of initial weight ranged from -6.0% (-6.0%, -5.9%) for 74,629 participants who renewed at 1 year to -8.3% (-8.7%, -7.8%) for 2,289 participants with 7 years of consecutive annual renewal. CONCLUSIONS: In the subset of individuals who choose to renew their program membership, TOPS can effectively promote maintenance of clinically significant weight loss for an extended period of time. RCTs are needed to further evaluate this low-cost, widely available program, which could be a viable option to treat overweight and obesity.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Weight Loss Through Lifestyle Modification Significantly Reduces Features of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors:
Vilar-Gomez, Eduardo; Martinez-Perez, Yadina; Calzadilla-Bertot, Luis; Torres-Gonzalez, Ana; Gra-Oramas, Bienvenido; Gonzalez-Fabian, Licet; Friedman, Scott L.; Diago, Moises; Romero-Gomez, Manuel
Abstract:
BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear how weight loss affects histologic features of liver in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We examined the association between the magnitude of weight loss through lifestyle modifications and changes in histologic features of NASH. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 293 patients with histologically proven NASH who were encouraged to adopt recommended lifestyle changes to reduce their weight over 52 weeks, from June 2009 through May 2013, at a tertiary medical center in Havana, Cuba. Liver biopsies were collected when the study began and at week 52 of the diet and were analyzed histologically. RESULTS: Paired liver biopsies were available from 261 patients. Among 293 patients who underwent lifestyle changes for 52 weeks, 72 (25%) achieved resolution of steatohepatitis, 138 (47%) had reductions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS), and 56 (19%) had regression of fibrosis. At week fifty-two, 88 subjects (30%) had lost ≥5% of their weight. Degree of weight loss was independently associated with improvements in all NASH-related histologic parameters (odds ratios = 1.1-2.0; P < .01). A higher proportion of subjects with ≥5% weight loss had NASH resolution (51 of 88 [58%]) and a 2-point reduction in NAS (72 of 88 [82%]) than subjects who lost <5% of their weight (P 5.5 mmol/L, and many ballooned cells, NAS scores decreased significantly with weight reductions ≥10%. CONCLUSIONS: A greater extent of weight loss, induced by lifestyle changes, is associated with the level of improvement in histologic features of NASH. The highest rates of NAS reduction, NASH resolution, and fibrosis regression occurred in patients with weight losses ≥10%.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
[Meat consumption reduction policies: benefits for climate change mitigation and health]
Authors:
Michelozzi, Paola; Lapucci, Enrica; Farchi, Sara
Abstract:
Agricultural food production substantially contributes to green house gas (GHG) emissions worldwide and 80% of the agricultural emissions arise from the livestock sector, in particular from ruminants. Meat consumption is generally above dietary recommendations in many countries, including Italy, and it is increasing in developing countries. Although meat is a source of essential nutrients, it provides large amounts of saturated fat, which is a known risk factor for obesity and for several diseases such as stroke, breast cancer and colon cancer. Dietary changes, with lower intake of red and processed meat, are likely to be beneficial for improving health and for the environment by reducing emissions of GHG. Data on meat consumption in Italy among adults, referred to the last ten years, shows heterogeneity among regions, with the highest consumption in the North-western regions and generally with higher consumption among males. We describe meat consumption distribution worldwide, in Europe and Italy. An assessment of the potential environmental and health co-benefits considering different reduction scenarios of red meat consumption in Italy is provided. Dietary changes can substantially lower GHG and coordinated actions are needed across public health and other sectors to promote healthy, low-emission diets.
Published:
2015-08
Title:
Abeta42 and Abeta40: similarities and differences.
Authors:
Qiu, Tian; Liu, Qian; Chen, Yong-Xiang; Zhao, Yu-Fen; Li, Yan-Mei
Abstract:
The abnormal accumulation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide in the brain is one of the most important hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Abeta is an aggregation-prone and toxic polypeptide with 39-43 residues, derived from the amyloid precursor protein proteolysis process. According to the amyloid hypothesis, abnormal accumulation of Abeta in the brain is the primary influence driving Alzheimer's disease pathologies. Among all kinds of Abeta isoforms, Abeta40 and Abeta42 are believed to be the most important ones. Although these two kinds of Abeta differ only in two amino acid residues, recent studies show that they differ significantly in their metabolism, physiological functions, toxicities, and aggregation mechanism. In this review, we mainly summarize the similarities and differences between Abeta42 and Abeta40, recent studies on selective inhibitors as well as probes will also be mentioned.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA in children on cardiovascular risk factors during childhood and adolescence. [Review]
Authors:
Bonafini, Sara; Antoniazzi, Franco; Maffeis, Claudio; Minuz, Pietro; Fava, Cristiano
Abstract:
Omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) are essential nutrients mainly derived from fish and seafood but present also in vegetables such as nuts and seed-oils. Some epidemiological and clinical studies indicate a protection of omega-3 FA against cardiovascular disease and a favourable effect on cardiovascular risk factors control in adults. The evidences of their effects in children and adolescents are scanty but a possible beneficial role, especially for insulin sensitivity and blood pressure control, has been proposed. In this review we want to focus especially on the evidences, which could justify the assumption of omega-3 in children and adolescents, and to underline the aspects which need further investigation. Mechanisms through which omega-3 FA act are manifolds and still a matter of investigation: beside their interaction with ion channel and their influence on plasma membrane fluidity, probably the main effect is acting as competitor for cytochrome P-450 (CYP) with respect to omega-6 FA. Thus, they can modulate the biosynthesis of eicosanoids and other lipid mediators, which likely exert a protective action. Another suggestive hypothesis is that their beneficial effect is not dependent only on the intake of omega-3 FA, but also on the complex interaction between different nutrients including omega-3 and other FAs with polymorphisms in genes involved in omega-3 FA modulation. This complex interaction has seldom been explored in children and adolescents. Further studies are needed to investigate all these points in order to find a better collocation of omega-3 FA on the available armamentarium for preventive, possibly individualized, medicine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Comparison of the effect of raw and blanched-frozen broccoli on DNA damage in colonocytes
Authors:
Lynn, Anthony; Fuller, Zoë; Collins, Andrew R.; Ratcliffe, Brian
Abstract:
Consumption of cruciferous vegetables may protect against colorectal cancer. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in a number of bioactive constituents including polyphenols, vitamins and glucosinolates. Before consumption, cruciferous vegetables often undergo some form of processing that reduces their content of bioactive constituents and may determine whether they exert protective effects. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of raw and blanched-frozen broccoli to protect colonocytes against DNA damage, improve antioxidant status and induce xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME). Fifteen Landrace × Large White male pigs were divided into five age-matched and weight-matched sets (79 days, SD 3, and 34·7 kg, SD 3·9, respectively). Each set consisted of siblings to minimize genetic variation. Within each set, pigs received a cereal-based diet, unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with 600 g day(-1) of raw or blanched-frozen broccoli for 12 days. The consumption of raw broccoli caused a significant 27% increase in DNA damage in colonocytes (p = 0·03) relative to the control diet, whereas blanched-frozen broccoli had no significant effect. Both broccoli diets had no significant effect on plasma antioxidant status or hepatic and colonic XME. This study is the first to report that the consumption of raw broccoli can damage DNA in porcine colonocytes.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Diet heart controversies--Quality of fat matters. [Review]
Authors:
Schwab, U.; Uusitupa, M.
Abstract:
There has been a lot a debate recently regarding the effect of the quality of dietary fat on the risk of atherosclerotic vascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD). Long term randomized controlled interventions are almost lacking and the body of evidence is based on epidemiological data which allows conclusions only regarding associations, instead of effects. However, a recent systematic review, which included prospective cohort studies with high or moderate quality, showed convincing evidence on the favorable effect of partially replacing saturated fatty acids by polyunsaturated fatty acids on the risk of CHD. For some reason it seems tempting even in the scientific discussion to question the evidence of the quality of dietary fat on the risk of CHD every time when a controversial scientific article is published. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Discovery of nutritional biomarkers: future directions based on omics technologies
Authors:
Odriozola, Leticia; Corrales, Fernado J.
Abstract:
Understanding the interactions between food and human biology is of utmost importance to facilitate the development of more efficient nutritional interventions that might improve our wellness status and future health outcomes by reducing risk factors for non-transmittable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Dissection of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the physiological effects of diets and bioactive compounds is one of the main goals of current nutritional investigation and the food industry as might lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers. It is widely recognized that the availability of robust nutritional biomarkers represents a bottleneck that delays the innovation process of the food industry. In this regard, omics sciences have opened up new avenues of research and opportunities in nutrition. Advances in mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, next generation sequencing and microarray technologies allow massive genome, gene expression, proteomic and metabolomic profiling, obtaining a global and in-depth analysis of physiological/pathological scenarios. For this reason, omics platforms are most suitable for the discovery and characterization of novel nutritional markers that will define the nutritional status of both individuals and populations in the near future, and to identify the nutritional bioactive compounds responsible for the health outcomes.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Effects of ketone bodies in Alzheimer's disease in relation to neural hypometabolism, β-amyloid toxicity, and astrocyte function
Authors:
Hertz, Leif; Chen, Ye; Waagepetersen, Helle S.
Abstract:
© 2015 International Society for Neurochemistry. Diet supplementation with ketone bodies (acetoacetate and β-hydroxybuturate) or medium-length fatty acids generating ketone bodies has consistently been found to cause modest improvement of mental function in Alzheimer's patients. It was suggested that the therapeutic effect might be more pronounced if treatment was begun at a pre-clinical stage of the disease instead of well after its manifestation. The pre-clinical stage is characterized by decade-long glucose hypometabolism in brain, but ketone body metabolism is intact even initially after disease manifestation. One reason for the impaired glucose metabolism may be early destruction of the noradrenergic brain stem nucleus, locus coeruleus, which stimulates glucose metabolism, at least in astrocytes. These glial cells are essential in Alzheimer pathogenesis. The β-amyloid peptide Aβ interferes with their cholinergic innervation, which impairs synaptic function because of diminished astrocytic glutamate release. Aβ also reduces glucose metabolism and causes hyperexcitability. Ketone bodies are similarly used against seizures, but the effectively used concentrations are so high that they must interfere with glucose metabolism and de novo synthesis of neurotransmitter glutamate, reducing neuronal glutamatergic signaling. The lower ketone body concentrations used in Alzheimer's disease may owe their effect to support of energy metabolism, but might also inhibit release of gliotransmitter glutamate.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Enzyme immunoassay and proteomic characterization of troponin I as a marker of mammalian muscle compounds in raw meat and some meat products
Authors:
Zvereva, Elena A.; Kovalev, Leonid I.; Ivanov, Alexei V.; Kovaleva, Marina A.; Zherdev, Anatoly V.; Shishkin, Sergey S.; Lisitsyn, Andrey B.; Chernukha, Irina M.; Dzantiev, Boris B.
Abstract:
The skeletal muscle protein troponin I (TnI) has been characterized as a potential thermally stable and species-specific biomarker of mammalian muscle tissues in raw meat and meat products. This study proposed a technique for the quantification of TnI comprising protein extraction and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The technique is characterized by a TnI detection limit of 4.8 ng/ml with quantifiable concentrations ranging from 8.7 to 52 ng/ml. The method was shown to be suitable for detection of TnI in mammalian (beef, pork, lamb, and horse) meat but not in poultry (chicken, turkey, and duck) meat. In particular, the TnI content in beef was 0.40 3 +/- 0.058 mg/g of wet tissue. The TnI estimations obtained for the pork and beef samples using ELISA were comparable to the proteomic analysis results. Thus, the quantitative study of TnI can be a convenient way to assess the mammalian muscle tissue content of various meat products. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Investigation of lifestyle choices of individuals following a vegan diet for health and ethical reasons
Authors:
Radnitz, Cynthia; Beezhold, Bonnie; DiMatteo, Julie
Abstract:
The proportion of individuals choosing to follow a vegan diet has increased in recent years. The choice is made for different reasons, primarily concern for animals (ethics) and health, which may impact both specific food choices and other lifestyle behaviors linked to health outcomes. To determine the extent to which the reason for following a vegan diet was associated with health behaviors, we conducted an online survey recruiting an international sample of 246 individuals who reported adhering to a vegan diet. We hypothesized that compared to those following the diet for ethical reasons, those doing so for health reasons would consume foods with higher nutritional value and engage in other healthier lifestyle behaviors. Our hypotheses were partially supported in that those citing health reasons (n = 45) reported eating more fruit (U = 3503.00, p = 0.02) and fewer sweets (U = 3347.00, p <0.01) than did those citing ethical reasons (n = 201). Individuals endorsing ethical reasons reported being on the diet longer (U = 3137.00, p <0.01), and more frequent consumption of soy (U = 2936.00, p <0.01), foods rich in vitamin D (U = 3441.00, p = 0.01), high-polyphenol beverages (U = 3124.50, p
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Meat, beyond the plate. Data-driven hypotheses for understanding consumer willingness to adopt a more plant-based diet
Authors:
Graça, João; Oliveira, Abílio; Calheiros, Maria Manuela
Abstract:
A shift towards reduced meat consumption and a more plant-based diet is endorsed to promote sustainability, improve public health, and minimize animal suffering. However, large segments of consumers do not seem willing to make such transition. While it may take a profound societal change to achieve significant progresses on this regard, there have been limited attempts to understand the psychosocial processes that may hinder or facilitate this shift. This study provides an in-depth exploration of how consumer representations of meat, the impact of meat, and rationales for changing or not habits relate with willingness to adopt a more plant-based diet. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was employed to examine participant responses (N = 410) to a set of open-ended questions, free word association tasks and closed questions. Three clusters with two hallmarks each were identified: (1) a pattern of disgust towards meat coupled with moral internalization; (2) a pattern of low affective connection towards meat and willingness to change habits; and (3) a pattern of attachment to meat and unwillingness to change habits. The findings raise two main propositions. The first is that an affective connection towards meat relates to the perception of the impacts of meat and to willingness to change consumption habits. The second proposition is that a set of rationales resembling moral disengagement mechanisms (e.g., pro-meat justifications; self-exonerations) arise when some consumers contemplate the consequences of meat production and consumption, and the possibility of changing habits.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change diet reduces inflammatory status in diabetic patients: a randomised cross-over clinical trial
Authors:
Hosseinpour-Niazi, Somayeh; Mirmiran, Parvin; Fallah-Ghohroudi, Arefeh; Azizi, Fereidoun
Abstract:
The present randomised cross-over clinical trial investigated the effects of two intervention diets (non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) diet v. isoenergetic legume-free TLC diet) on inflammatory biomarkers among type 2 diabetic patients. A group of thirty-one participants (twenty-four women and seven men; weight 74.5 (SD 7.0) kg; age 58.1 (SD 6.0) years) were randomly assigned to one of the two following intervention diets for 8 weeks: legume-free TLC diet or non-soya legume-based TLC diet. The latter diet was the same as the legume-free TLC diet, except that two servings of red meat were replaced with different types of cooked non-soya legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans over a period of 3 d per week. The intervention period was followed by a washout period of 4 weeks, after which the groups followed the alternate treatment for 8 weeks. Concentrations of inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after the intervention periods. Compared with the legume-free TLC diet, the non-soya legume-based TLC diet significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6 and TNF-α in overweight diabetic patients. The replacement of two servings of red meat by non-soya legumes in the isoenergetic TLC diet for a period of 3 d per week reduced the plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers among overweight diabetic patients, independent of weight change.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Palm Oil Consumption Increases LDL Cholesterol Compared with Vegetable Oils Low in Saturated Fat in a Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. [Review]
Authors:
Sun, Ye; Neelakantan, Nithya; Wu, Yi; Lote-Oke, Rashmi; Pan, An; van Dam, Rob M.
Abstract:
CONCLUSIONS: Palm oil consumption results in higher LDL cholesterol than do vegetable oils low in saturated fat and higher HDL cholesterol than do trans fat-containing oils in humans. The effects of palm oil on blood lipids are as expected on the basis of its high saturated fat content, which supports the reduction in palm oil use by replacement with vegetable oils low in saturated and trans fat. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO registry at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42012002601#.VU3wvSGeDRZ as CRD42012002601. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Replacement of saturated with unsaturated fats had no impact on vascular function but beneficial effects on lipid biomarkers, E-selectin, and blood pressure: results from the randomized, controlled Dietary Intervention and VAScular function (DIVAS) study
Authors:
Vafeiadou, Katerina; Weech, Michelle; Altowaijri, Hana; Todd, Susan; Yaqoob, Parveen; Jackson, Kim G.; Lovegrove, Julie A.
Abstract:
CONCLUSIONS: Substitution of 9.5-9.6%TE dietary SFAs with either MUFAs or n-6 PUFAs did not significantly affect the percentage of flow-mediated dilatation or other measures of vascular function. However, the beneficial effects on serum lipid biomarkers, blood pressure, and E-selectin offer a potential public health strategy for CVD risk reduction. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01478958. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Role of omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Disease. [Review]
Authors:
Zhang, Pei-Ying
Abstract:
There is a large and increasing global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Indian subcontinent may be one of the regions with the highest burden of CVD in the world. With affluence and urbanization, fat intake, especially saturated fat, is increasing. Vitamins have beneficial effects which are useful to the heart, but do not provide the all-round cardioprotection that is required. Hence, there is a perceived need of nutritional supplement that is rich in these essential nutrients. Studies have shown multifactorial cardio-protective actions of omega-3 fatty acids. A cardioceutical contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals including omega-3 fatty acids in the right proportion that will provide all-round protection to the heart.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Shaping fat distribution: new insights into the molecular determinants of depot- and sex-dependent adipose biology
Authors:
Fried, Susan K.; Lee, Mi-Jeong; Karastergiou, Kalypso
Abstract:
Objective To review recent advances in understanding the cellular mechanisms that regulate fat distribution. Methods We highlight new insights into depot- and sex-differences in the developmental origins and growth of adipose tissues as revealed by studies that use new methods, including lineage tracing. Results Variations in fat distribution during normal growth and in response to alterations in nutritional or hormonal status are driven by intrinsic differences in cells found in each adipose depot. Adipose progenitor cells and preadipocytes in different anatomical adipose tissues derive from cell lineages that determine their capacity for proliferation and differentiation. As a result, rates of hypertrophy and hyperplasia during growth and remodeling vary among depots. The capacities of adipose cells are also determined by variations in the expression of key transcription factors and non-coding RNAs. These developmental events are influenced by sex chromosomes, hormonal and nutrient signals that determine the adipogenic, metabolic, and functional properties of each depot. Conclusions These new developments in our understanding of fat distribution provide a sound basis for understanding the association of body shape and health in non-obese and obese men and women.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Targeting ASCT2-mediated glutamine uptake blocks prostate cancer growth and tumour development
Authors:
Wang, Qian; Hardie, Rae-Anne; Hoy, Andrew J.; van Geldermalsen, Michelle; Gao, Dadi; Fazli, Ladan; Sadowski, Martin C.; Balaban, Seher; Schreuder, Mark; Nagarajah, Rajini; Wong, Justin J.-L.; Metierre, Cynthia; Pinello, Natalia; Otte, Nicholas J.; Lehman, Melanie L.; Gleave, Martin; Nelson, Colleen C.; Bailey, Charles G.; Ritchie, William; Rasko, John E. J.; Holst, Jeff
Abstract:
Glutamine is conditionally essential in cancer cells, being utilized as a carbon and nitrogen source for macromolecule production, as well as for anaplerotic reactions fuelling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In this study, we demonstrated that the glutamine transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) is highly expressed in prostate cancer patient samples. Using LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines, we showed that chemical or shRNA-mediated inhibition of ASCT2 function in vitro decreases glutamine uptake, cell cycle progression through E2F transcription factors, mTORC1 pathway activation and cell growth. Chemical inhibition also reduces basal oxygen consumption and fatty acid synthesis, showing that downstream metabolic function is reliant on ASCT2-mediated glutamine uptake. Furthermore, shRNA knockdown of ASCT2 in PC-3 cell xenografts significantly inhibits tumour growth and metastasis in vivo, associated with the down-regulation of E2F cell cycle pathway proteins. In conclusion, ASCT2-mediated glutamine uptake is essential for multiple pathways regulating the cell cycle and cell growth, and is therefore a putative therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
Yoga in the management of chronic disease
Authors:
Desveaux, Laura; Lee, Annemarie; Goldstein, Roger; Brooks, Dina
Abstract:
Background: Heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Although individuals with these conditions have been reported to benefit from yoga, its effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To perform a systematic review of the effectiveness of yoga on exercise capacity, health related quality of life (HRQL), and psychological well-being for individuals with chronic disease and describe the structure and delivery of programs. Research Design: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining yoga programs for individuals with heart disease, stroke, and COPD compared with usual care. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42014014589). Results: Ten studies (431 individuals, mean age 56±8 y) were included and were comparable in their design and components, irrespective of the chronic disease. The standardized mean difference for the mean change in exercise capacity was 2.69 (95% confidence interval, 1.39-3.99) and for HRQL it was 1.24 (95% confidence interval,-0.37 to 2.85). Symptoms of anxiety were reduced after yoga in individuals with stroke, although this was not observed in individuals with COPD. The effect of yoga on symptoms of depression varied across studies with no significant effects compared with usual care. Conclusions: Yoga programs have similar designs and components across chronic disease populations. Compared with usual care, yoga resulted in significant improvements in exercise capacity and a mean improvement in HRQL. Yoga programs may be a useful adjunct to formal rehabilitation programs.
Published:
2015-07
Title:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in body weight in clinical trials of vegetarian diets
Authors:
Barnard, Neal D.; Levin, Susan M.; Yokoyama, Yoko
Abstract:
In observational studies, vegetarians generally have lower body weights compared with omnivores. However, weight changes that occur when vegetarian diets are prescribed have not been well quantified. We estimated the effect on body weight when vegetarian diets are prescribed. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for articles through December 31, 2013. Additional articles were identified from reference lists. We included intervention trials in which participants were adults, interventions included vegetarian diets of ≥4 weeks' duration without energy intake limitations, and effects on body weight were reported. Two investigators independently extracted data using predetermined fields. Estimates of body weight change, comparing intervention groups to untreated control groups, were derived using a random effects model to estimate the weighted mean difference. To quantify effects on body weight of baseline weight, sex, age, study duration, study goals, type of diet, and study authorship, additional analyses examined within-group changes for all studies reporting variance data. We identified 15 trials (17 intervention groups), of which 4 included untreated controls. Prescription of vegetarian diets was associated with a mean weight change of -3.4 kg (95% CI -4.4 to -2.4; P<0.001) in an intention-to-treat analysis and -4.6 kg (95% CI -5.4 to -3.8; P
Published:
2015-06
Title:
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sleep in Children
Authors:
Herman, John H.
Abstract:
Basic assumptions about ADHD in children and sleep are not supported by research. It is unclear that children with hyperactivity or inattention have disrupted sleep. Parents of children with ADHD consistently report more bedtime resistance, but there is no objective evidence that sleep is subsequently disrupted. Treatment of ADHD with stimulants may disrupt sleep. Studies of comorbid sleep or psychiatric disorders consistently show that they disrupt sleep. Melatonin is an effective treatment of sleep problems in children with ADHD. Before any child is placed on stimulants, the pediatrician or other health care professional should insure that the child is obtaining adequate sleep.
Published:
2015-06
Title:
Dietary saturated fat intake and atherosclerotic vascular disease mortality in elderly women: a prospective cohort study
Authors:
Blekkenhorst, Lauren C.; Prince, Richard L.; Hodgson, Jonathan M.; Lim, Wai H.; Zhu, Kun; Devine, Amanda; Thompson, Peter L.; Lewis, Joshua R.
Abstract:
CONCLUSIONS: High SFA intake was associated with the risk of ASVD mortality in this population of elderly women. Although there was a strong positive association between SFA intake and LDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol was not associated with ASVD mortality in this cohort. Nevertheless, these data support dietary advice to reduce SFA intake. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.
Published:
2015-06
Title:
Energy metabolism disorders in rare and common diseases. Toward bioenergetic modulation therapy and the training of a new generation of European scientists
Authors:
Rossignol, Rodrigue
Abstract:
Energy metabolism alterations are found in a large number of rare and common diseases of genetic or environmental origin. The number of patients that could benefit from bioenergetic modulation therapy (BIOMET) is therefore very important and includes individuals with pathologies as diverse as mitochondrial diseases, acute coronary syndrome, chronic kidney disease, asthma or even cancer. Although, the alteration of energy metabolism is disease specific and sometimes patient specific, the strategies for BIOMET could be common and target a series of bioenergetic regulatory mechanisms discussed in this article. An excellent training of scientists in the field of energy metabolism, related human diseases and drug discovery is also crucial to form a young generation of MDs, PHDs and Pharma or CRO-group leaders who will discover novel personalized bioenergetic medicines, through pharmacology, genetics, nutrition or adapted exercise training. The Mitochondrial European Educational Training (MEET) consortium was created to pursue this goal, and we dedicated here a special issue of Organelle in Focus (OiF) to highlight their objectives. A total of 10 OiFs articles constitute this Directed Issue on Mitochondrial Medicine. As part of this editorial article, we asked timely questions to the PR. Jan W. Smeitink, professor of Mitochondrial Medicine and CEO of Khondrion, a mitochondrial medicine company. He shared with us his objectives and strategies for the study of mitochondrial diseases and the identification of future treatments. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Energy Metabolism Disorders and Therapies.
Published:
2015-06
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