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Title:
Rumen transfaunation
Authors:
DePeters, E. J.; George, L. W.
Abstract:
The aim of this invited mini-review is to summarize the rumen transfaunation literature. Rumen transfaunation using the cud from a healthy donor animal to treat a sick recipient animal was practiced long before our understanding of rumen microorganisms. Around the mid-1900s, scientists began to explore the benefits of rumen transfaunation and the associated microbial populations. Rumen transfaunation has been used clinically to treat indigestion and to enhance the return of normal rumen function following surgical correction of a left-displaced abomasum. Rumen transfaunation was also used to introduce unique rumen microorganisms into animals that were exposed to toxic compounds in plants. Rumen liquor contains chemical constituents that likely contribute to the beneficial effects of re-establishing a normal reticulo-rumen anaerobic fermentation. Recommendations for collecting rumen fluid, storage and volumes transferred are discussed. Rumen transfaunation is a common practice to treat indigestion on dairy and livestock operations. The support of a healthy microbial community in the digestive tract is also used for humans. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been used to treat digestive disorders in humans. Rumen transfaunation, although not widely studied with respect to mode of action, is an effective, practical, and easy method to treat simple indigestion of ruminants.
Published:
2014-12
Title:
The effects of thyroid dysfunctions on insulin resistance in patients with hepatosteatosis
Authors:
Keşkek, Şakir Özgür; Kırım, Sinan; Kaya, Ramazan; Canataroğlu, Abdullah
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Hepatosteatosis can develop due to insulin resistance. The effect of thyroid function status on insulin sensitivity and resistance is of great interest but the data is still conflicting. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid dysfunctions on insulin resistance in patients with hepatosteatosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 407 patients with hepatosteatosis were divided into three groups: 102 subjects with hypothyroidism, 103 with hyperthyroidism and 202 with normal thyroid function (control group). We measured serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (FT4) and free T3 (FT3) concentrations, blood glucose and insulin levels, serum lipid levels, hepatic transaminases and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR). RESULTS: Neither hypothyroidism patients nor hyperthyroidism patients showed significant differences in HOMA IR, glucose and insulin levels (p>0.05 for each). The frequency of insulin resistance was similar in all groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are not correlated to insulin resistance in patients with hepatosteatosis. Different causes which are associated with insulin resistance should be investigated in patients with thyroid dysfunction and hepatosteatosis.
Published:
2014-12
Title:
ATP/ADP ratio, the missed connection between mitochondria and the Warburg effect
Authors:
Maldonado, Eduardo N.; Lemasters, John J.
Abstract:
Non-proliferating cells generate the bulk of cellular ATP by fully oxidizing respiratory substrates in mitochondria. Respiratory substrates cross the mitochondrial outer membrane through only one channel, the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC). Once in the matrix, respiratory substrates are oxidized in the tricarboxylic acid cycle to generate mostly NADH that is further oxidized in the respiratory chain to generate a proton motive force comprised mainly of membrane potential (ΔΨ) to synthesize ATP. Mitochondrial ΔΨ then drives the release of ATP(4-) from the matrix in exchange for ADP(3-) in the cytosol via the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Thus, mitochondrial function in non-proliferating cells drives a high cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio, essential to inhibit glycolysis. By contrast, the bioenergetics of the Warburg phenotype of proliferating cells is characterized by enhanced aerobic glycolysis and the suppression of mitochondrial metabolism. Suppressed mitochondrial function leads to lower production of mitochondrial ATP and hence lower cytosolic ATP/ADP ratios that favor enhanced glycolysis. Thus, the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio is a key feature that determines if cell metabolism is predominantly oxidative or glycolytic. Here, we describe two novel mechanisms to explain the suppression of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells: the relative closure of VDAC by free tubulin and the inactivation of ANT. Both mechanisms contribute to low ATP/ADP ratios that activate glycolysis.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Adipocyte morphology and implications for metabolic derangements in acquired obesity
Authors:
Heinonen, S; Saarinen, L; Naukkarinen, J; Rodríguez, A; Frühbeck, G; Hakkarainen, A; Lundbom, J; Lundbom, N; Vuolteenaho, K; Moilanen, E; Arner, P; Hautaniemi, S; Suomalainen, A; Kaprio, J; Rissanen, A; Pietiläinen, K H
Abstract:
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Combination of meal and exercise timing with a high-fat diet influences energy expenditure and obesity in mice
Authors:
Sasaki, Hiroyuki; Ohtsu, Teiji; Ikeda, Yuko; Tsubosaka, Miku; Shibata, Shigenobu
Abstract:
In mice, obesity has been observed not only in those freely fed a high-fat diet (HFD) but also in those fed while physically inactive. In contrast, a HFD during physically active periods protects against obesity and the impairments in the circadian rhythm induced by free feeding of a HFD. Although exercise is known to be effective for obesity prevention and management, the optimal timing of exercise has not yet been determined. In the present experiments, we aimed to determine the best combination of daily timing of HFD consumption and exercise for the prevention of HFD-induced weight gain in mice. In this experiment, "morning" refers to the beginning of the active phase (the "morning" for nocturnal animals). Increases in body weight related to free feeding of a HFD was significantly reduced with 4 h of exercise during the late (evening) or middle (noon) active period compared to 4 h of exercise during the early (morning) active period or free access to exercise, which resulted in hours of exercise similar to that of morning exercise. These results suggested that eating in the morning or at noon followed by exercise in the evening could prevent weight gain more effectively than exercise in the morning followed by eating at noon or in the evening. The group fed a HFD for 4 h in the morning had lower body weight than the group fed a HFD for 4 h in the evening without exercise. The last group of experiments tested the hypothesis that there would be an interaction between mealtime and exercise time (i.e. time of day) versus order (i.e. which comes first) effects. We compared groups that exercised for 4 h at noon and were fed either in the morning or evening and groups that were fed for 4 h at noon and either exercised in the morning or evening. We found that the groups that were fed before exercise gained less body and fat weight and more skeletal muscle weight compared to the groups that exercised before eating. Corresponding to the body and fat weight changes, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was lower and energy expenditure was higher in the groups fed before exercise than in the groups fed after exercise, and these effects on energy metabolism were also observed in the early stage of HFD feeding before obesity. When obese mice fed a HFD for 12 weeks were exposed to a combination of feeding and exercise timing in an effort to reduce body weight, eating followed by exercise resulted in greater weight loss, similar to the experiments conducted to prevent weight gain. These results demonstrate that a combination of daily timing of eating and exercise may influence weight gain and that eating followed by exercise may be effective for minimizing increases in body and fat weight as well as maximizing increases in skeletal muscle weight.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Diets high in protein or saturated fat do not affect insulin sensitivity or plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in overweight and obese adults
Authors:
Chiu, Sally; Williams, Paul T.; Dawson, Taylor; Bergman, Richard N.; Stefanovski, Darko; Watkins, Steven M.; Krauss, Ronald M.
Abstract:
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that short-term intake of BCAAs can influence insulin dynamics. However, in this group of overweight and obese individuals, neither high protein nor SF intake affected insulin sensitivity or plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00508937. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Nutrition.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
High protein intake from meat as complementary food increases growth but not adiposity in breastfed infants: a randomized trial
Authors:
Tang, Minghua; Krebs, Nancy F.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: High intake of cow-milk protein in formula-fed infants is associated with higher weight gain and increased adiposity, which have led to recommendations to limit protein intake in later infancy. The impact of protein from meats for breastfed infants during complementary feeding may be different. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of protein from meat as complementary foods on growth and metabolic profiles of breastfed infants. DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis from a trial in which exclusively breastfed infants (5-6 mo old from the Denver, CO, metro area) were randomly assigned to receive commercially available pureed meats (Meat group; n = 14) or infant cereal (Cereal group; n = 28) as their primary complementary feedings for ∼ 5 mo. Anthropometric measures and diet records were collected monthly from 5 to 9 mo of age; intakes from complementary feeding and breast milk were assessed at 9 mo of age. RESULTS: The Meat group had significantly higher protein intake, whereas energy, carbohydrate, and fat intakes from complementary feeding did not differ by group over time. At 9 mo of age, mean (± SEM) intakes of total (complementary feeding plus breast milk) protein were 2.9 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 0.4 g · kg(-1) · d(-1), ∼ 17% and ∼ 9% of daily energy intake, for Meat and Cereal groups, respectively (P < 0.001). From 5 to 9 mo of age, the weight-for-age z score (WAZ) and length-for-age z score (LAZ) increased in the Meat group (ΔWAZ: 0.24 ± 0.19; ΔLAZ: 0.14 ± 0.12) and decreased in the Cereal group (ΔWAZ: -0.07 ± 0.17; ΔLAZ: -0.27 ± 0.24) (P-group by time
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Ketogenic diet sensitizes glucose control of hippocampal excitability
Authors:
Kawamura, Masahito; Ruskin, David N.; Geiger, Jonathan D.; Boison, Detlev; Masino, Susan A.
Abstract:
A high-fat low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective treatment for refractory epilepsy, yet myriad metabolic effects in vivo have not been reconciled clearly with neuronal effects. A KD limits blood glucose and produces ketone bodies from β-oxidation of lipids. Studies have explored changes in ketone bodies and/or glucose in the effects of the KD, and glucose is increasingly implicated in neurological conditions. To examine the interaction between altered glucose and the neural effects of a KD, we fed rats and mice a KD and restricted glucose in vitro while examining the seizure-prone CA3 region of acute hippocampal slices. Slices from KD-fed animals were sensitive to small physiological changes in glucose, and showed reduced excitability and seizure propensity. Similar to clinical observations, reduced excitability depended on maintaining reduced glucose. Enhanced glucose sensitivity and reduced excitability were absent in slices obtained from KD-fed mice lacking adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs); in slices from normal animals effects of the KD could be reversed with blockers of pannexin-1 channels, A1Rs, or KATP channels. Overall, these studies reveal that a KD sensitizes glucose-based regulation of excitability via purinergic mechanisms in the hippocampus and thus link key metabolic and direct neural effects of the KD.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Ketogenic diets, mitochondria, and neurological diseases
Authors:
Gano, Lindsey B.; Patel, Manisha; Rho, Jong M.
Abstract:
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a broad-spectrum therapy for medically intractable epilepsy and is receiving growing attention as a potential treatment for neurological disorders arising in part from bioenergetic dysregulation. The high-fat/low-carbohydrate "classic KD", as well as dietary variations such as the medium-chain triglyceride diet, the modified Atkins diet, the low-glycemic index treatment, and caloric restriction, enhance cellular metabolic and mitochondrial function. Hence, the broad neuroprotective properties of such therapies may stem from improved cellular metabolism. Data from clinical and preclinical studies indicate that these diets restrict glycolysis and increase fatty acid oxidation, actions which result in ketosis, replenishment of the TCA cycle (i.e., anaplerosis), restoration of neurotransmitter and ion channel function, and enhanced mitochondrial respiration. Further, there is mounting evidence that the KD and its variants can impact key signaling pathways that evolved to sense the energetic state of the cell, and that help maintain cellular homeostasis. These pathways, which include PPARs, AMP-activated kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and the sirtuins, have all been recently implicated in the neuroprotective effects of the KD. Further research in this area may lead to future therapeutic strategies aimed at mimicking the pleiotropic neuroprotective effects of the KD.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Meal frequency and timing in health and disease
Authors:
Mattson, Mark P; Allison, David B; Fontana, Luigi; Harvie, Michelle; Longo, Valter D; Malaisse, Willy J; Mosley, Michael; Notterpek, Lucia; Ravussin, Eric; Scheer, Frank A J L; Seyfried, Thomas N; Varady, Krista A; Panda, Satchidananda
Abstract:
Although major research efforts have focused on how specific components of foodstuffs affect health, relatively little is known about a more fundamental aspect of diet, the frequency and circadian timing of meals, and potential benefits of intermittent periods with no or very low energy intakes. The most common eating pattern in modern societies, three meals plus snacks every day, is abnormal from an evolutionary perspective. Emerging findings from studies of animal models and human subjects suggest that intermittent energy restriction periods of as little as 16 h can improve health indicators and counteract disease processes. The mechanisms involve a metabolic shift to fat metabolism and ketone production, and stimulation of adaptive cellular stress responses that prevent and repair molecular damage. As data on the optimal frequency and timing of meals crystalizes, it will be critical to develop strategies to incorporate those eating patterns into health care policy and practice, and the lifestyles of the population.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Nutritional armor in evolution: docosahexaenoic acid as a determinant of neural, evolution and hominid brain development
Authors:
Crawford, Michael A.; Broadhurst, C. Leigh; Cunnane, Stephen; Marsh, David E.; Schmidt, Walter F.; Brand, Annette; Ghebremeskel, Kebreab
Abstract:
The aim of this article is to draw attention to the special significance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain, the potential relevance of its abundance to the evolution of the brain in past history, and now the relevance of paucity in the food supply to the rise in mental ill-health. Membrane lipids of photoreceptors, synapses, and neurons over the last 600 million years contained consistent and similarly high levels of DHA despite wide genomic change. The consistency is despite the DHA precursor differing only by 2 protons. This striking conservation is an example of Darwin's "Conditions of Existence," which he described as the higher force in evolution. A purpose of this article is to suggest that the present paradigm of food production currently based on protein requirements, should change to serve the specific lipid needs of the brain to address the rise in mental ill-health.(1.)
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Unique characteristics of human mesenchymal stromal/progenitor cells pre-activated in 3-dimensional cultures under different conditions
Authors:
Ylostalo, Joni H.; Bartosh, Thomas J.; Tiblow, April; Prockop, Darwin J.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AIMS: Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being used in clinical trials, but the best protocol to prepare the cells for administration to patients remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that MSCs could be pre-activated to express therapeutic factors by culturing the cells in 3 dimensions (3D). We compared the activation of MSCs in 3D in fetal bovine serum containing medium and in multiple xeno-free media formulations. METHODS: MSC aggregation and sphere formation was studied with the use of hanging drop cultures with medium containing fetal bovine serum or with various commercially available stem cell media with or without human serum albumin (HSA). Activation of MSCs was studied with the use of gene expression and protein secretion measurements and with functional studies with the use of macrophages and cancer cells. RESULTS: MSCs did not condense into tight spheroids and express a full complement of therapeutic genes in α-minimum essential medium or several commercial stem-cell media. However, we identified a chemically defined xeno-free media, which, when supplemented with HSA from blood or recombinant HSA, resulted in compact spheres with high cell viability, together with high expression of anti-inflammatory (prostaglandin E2, TSG-6 TNF-alpha induced gene/protein 6) and anti-cancer molecules (TRAIL TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, interleukin-24). Furthermore, spheres cultured in this medium showed potent anti-inflammatory effects in a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage system and suppressed the growth of prostate cancer cells by promoting cell-cycle arrest and cell death. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that cell activation in 3D depends critically on the culture medium. The conditions developed in the present study for 3D culture of MSCs should be useful in further research on MSCs and their potential therapeutic applications.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Virgin coconut oil and its potential cardioprotective effects. [Review]
Authors:
Babu, Abraham Samuel; Veluswamy, Sundar Kumar; Arena, Ross; Guazzi, Marco; Lavie, Carl J.
Abstract:
Emphasis on diet to improve the cardiovascular (CV) risk profile has been the focus of many studies. Recently, virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been growing in popularity due to its potential CV benefits. The chemical properties and the manufacturing process of VCO make this oil healthier than its copra-derived counterpart. This review highlights the mechanism through which saturated fatty acids contribute to CV disease (CVD), how oils and fats contribute to the risk of CVD, and the existing views on VCO and how its cardioprotective effects may make this a possible dietary intervention in isolation or in combination with exercise to help reduce the burden of CVDs.
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Whole-fat dairy food intake is inversely associated with obesity prevalence: findings from the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg study
Authors:
Crichton, Georgina E.; Alkerwi, Ala'a
Abstract:
Because research focusing on dairy food consumption and the risk for obesity is inconsistent and only a few studies have even examined specific dairy products, in regard to type of food and fat content, in relation to obesity risk, this cross-sectional study investigated whether dairy food consumption is associated with the prevalence of global and abdominal obesity. Data were analyzed from 1352 participants in the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg survey. We hypothesized that higher total dairy food consumption would be independently associated with reduced prevalence of obesity. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to measure intakes of dairy foods. Odds for global obesity (body mass index >=30 kg/m(2)) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference >102 cm for men and >88cm for women) were determined based on total dairy food intake as well as intakes of individual low- and whole-fat dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese). Total dairy food intake was inversely associated with the likelihood of global obesity (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.89; P < .05) and abdominal obesity (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83; P < .01). Participants in the highest tertile of whole-fat dairy intakes (milk, cheese, yogurt) had significantly lower odds for being obese (global obesity: OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29-0.72; P < .01; abdominal obesity: OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23-0.54; P
Published:
2014-11
Title:
Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota
Authors:
Suez, Jotham; Korem, Tal; Zeevi, David; Zilberman-Schapira, Gili; Thaiss, Christoph A.; Maza, Ori; Israeli, David; Zmora, Niv; Gilad, Shlomit; Weinberger, Adina; Kuperman, Yael; Harmelin, Alon; Kolodkin-Gal, Ilana; Shapiro, Hagit; Halpern, Zamir; Segal, Eran; Elinav, Eran
Abstract:
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Break the fast? Update on patient preparation for cholesterol testing
Authors:
Naugler, Christopher; Sidhu, Davinder
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To provide an update on the clinical usefulness of nonfasting versus fasting lipid testing to improve patient compliance, patient safety, and clinical assessment in cholesterol testing. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Recommendations are identified as supported by good, fair, and poor (conflicting or insufficient) evidence, according to the classifications adopted by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. MAIN MESSAGE: Screening for dyslipidemia as a risk factor for coronary artery disease and management of lipid-lowering medications are key parts of primary care. Recent evidence has questioned the fasting requirement for lipid testing. In population-based studies, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol all varied by an average of 2% with fasting status. For routine screening, nonfasting cholesterol measurement is now a reasonable alternative to a fasting cholesterol measurement. For patients with diabetes, the fasting requirement might be an important safety issue because of problems with hypoglycemia. For the monitoring of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients taking lipid-lowering medications, fasting becomes more important. CONCLUSION: Fasting for routine lipid level determinations is largely unnecessary and unlikely to affect patient clinical risk stratification, while nonfasting measurement might improve patient compliance and safety.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Changes in vitamin D target gene expression in adipose tissue monitor the vitamin D response of human individuals
Authors:
Ryynänen, Jussi; Neme, Antonio; Tuomainen, Tomi-Pekka; Virtanen, Jyrki K.; Voutilainen, Sari; Nurmi, Tarja; de Mello, Vanessa D. F.; Uusitupa, Matti; Carlberg, Carsten
Abstract:
SCOPE: Vitamin D₃, its biologically most active metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃), and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are important for adipose tissue biology. METHODS AND RESULTS: We extrapolated genomic VDR association loci in adipocytes from 55 conserved genome-wide VDR-binding sites in nonfat tissues. Taking the genes DUSP10, TRAK1, NRIP1, and THBD as examples, we confirmed the predicted VDR binding sites upstream of their transcription start sites and showed rapid mRNA up-regulation of all four genes in SGBS human pre-adipocytes. Using adipose tissue biopsy samples from 47 participants of a 5-month vitamin D₃ intervention study, we demonstrated that all four primary VDR target genes can serve as biomarkers for the vitamin D₃ responsiveness of human individuals. Changes in DUSP10 gene expression appear to be the most comprehensive marker, while THBD mRNA changes characterized a rather different group of study participants. CONCLUSION: We present a new approach to predict vitamin D target genes based on conserved genomic VDR-binding sites. Using human adipocytes as examples, we show that such ubiquitous VDR target genes can be used as markers for the individual's response to a supplementation with vitamin D₃.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Comparison of two exploratory dietary patterns in association with the metabolic syndrome in a Northern German population
Authors:
Barbaresko, Janett; Siegert, Sabine; Koch, Manja; Aits, Imke; Lieb, Wolfgang; Nikolaus, Susanna; Laudes, Matthias; Jacobs, Gunnar; Nothlings, Ute
Abstract:
Diet is related to many chronic disease conditions such as the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We set out to compare behaviour-related with disease-related patterns and their association with the MetS in a German cross-sectional study. A total of 905 participants of a Northern German cohort (aged 25-82 years) completed a FFQ, underwent anthropometric assessments and provided a blood sample. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced-rank regression (RRR) from forty-two food groups. Components of the MetS were used as response variables for the RRR analysis. Simplified patterns comprising ten food groups were generated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the likelihood of having the MetS across the quartiles of simplified pattern scores. We identified two similar dietary patterns derived by PCA and RRR characterised by high intakes of potatoes, various vegetables, red and processed meat, fats, sauce and bouillon. Comparing simplified patterns, an increased RRR pattern score was associated with a higher OR (2.18, 95% CI 1.25, 3.81) of having the MetS than an increased PCA pattern score (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.21, 3.03). Comparing concordant food groups by both dietary pattern methods, a diet high in legumes, beef, processed meat and bouillon was also positively associated with the prevalence of the MetS after adjustment for potential confounders (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04, 2.79). We identified a behaviour-related pattern that was positively associated with the MetS. The application of both dietary pattern methods may be advantageous to obtain information for designing and realising dietary guidelines. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Fatty fish consumption and risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
Authors:
Löfvenborg, J E; Andersson, T; Carlsson, P-O; Dorkhan, M; Groop, L; Martinell, M; Tuomi, T; Wolk, A; Carlsson, S
Abstract:
Objective: It has been suggested that intake of fatty fish may protect against both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Hypotheses rest on the high marine omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid+docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) and vitamin D contents, with possible beneficial effects on immune function and glucose metabolism. Our aim was to investigate, for the first time, fatty fish consumption in relation to the risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Methods: Analyses were based on data from a Swedish case–control study with incident cases of LADA (n=89) and type 2 diabetes (n=462) and randomly selected diabetes-free controls (n=1007). Diabetes classification was based on the onset of age (⩾35), glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies, and C-peptide. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to derive information on previous intake of fish, polyunsaturated long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and supplementation of fish oil and vitamin D. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), family history of diabetes, physical activity, smoking, education, and consumption of alcohol, fruit, vegetables and red meat. Results: Weekly fatty fish consumption (⩾1 vs
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Is eating behavior manipulated by the gastrointestinal microbiota? Evolutionary pressures and potential mechanisms
Authors:
Alcock, Joe; Maley, Carlo C.; Aktipis, C. Athena
Abstract:
Microbes in the gastrointestinal tract are under selective pressure to manipulate host eating behavior to increase their fitness, sometimes at the expense of host fitness. Microbes may do this through two potential strategies: (i) generating cravings for foods that they specialize on or foods that suppress their competitors, or (ii) inducing dysphoria until we eat foods that enhance their fitness. We review several potential mechanisms for microbial control over eating behavior including microbial influence on reward and satiety pathways, production of toxins that alter mood, changes to receptors including taste receptors, and hijacking of the vagus nerve, the neural axis between the gut and the brain. We also review the evidence for alternative explanations for cravings and unhealthy eating behavior. Because microbiota are easily manipulatable by prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal transplants, and dietary changes, altering our microbiota offers a tractable approach to otherwise intractable problems of obesity and unhealthy eating.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Ketone ester effects on metabolism and transcription
Authors:
Veech, Richard L.
Abstract:
Ketosis induced by starvation or feeding a ketogenic diet has widespread and often contradictory effects due to the simultaneous elevation of both ketone bodies and free fatty acids. The elevation of ketone bodies increases the energy of ATP hydrolysis by reducing the mitochondrial NAD couple and oxidizing the coenzyme Q couple, thus increasing the redox span between site I and site II. In contrast, metabolism of fatty acids leads to a reduction of both mitochondrial NAD and mitochondrial coenzyme Q causing a decrease in the ΔG of ATP hydrolysis. In contrast, feeding ketone body esters leads to pure ketosis, unaccompanied by elevation of free fatty acids, producing a physiological state not previously seen in nature. The effects of pure ketosis on transcription and upon certain neurodegenerative diseases make approach not only interesting, but of potential therapeutic value.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
MicroRNAs are absorbed in biologically meaningful amounts from nutritionally relevant doses of cow milk and affect gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, HEK-293 kidney cell cultures, and mouse livers
Authors:
Baier, Scott R.; Nguyen, Christopher; Xie, Fang; Wood, Jennifer R.; Zempleni, Janos
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate genes in animals and plants and can be synthesized endogenously. In milk, miRNAs are encapsulated in exosomes, thereby conferring protection against degradation and facilitating uptake by endocytosis. The majority of bovine miRNAs have nucleotide sequences complementary to human gene transcripts, suggesting that miRNAs in milk might regulate human genes. OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypotheses that humans absorb biologically meaningful amounts of miRNAs from nutritionally relevant doses of milk, milk-borne miRNAs regulate human gene expression, and mammals cannot compensate for dietary miRNA depletion by endogenous miRNA synthesis. METHODS: Healthy adults (3 men, 2 women; aged 26-49 y) consumed 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 L of milk in a randomized crossover design. Gene expression studies and milk miRNA depletion studies were conducted in human cell cultures and mice, respectively. For comparison, feeding studies with plant miRNAs from broccoli were conducted in humans. RESULTS: Postprandial concentration time curves suggest that meaningful amounts of miRNA (miR)-29b and miR-200c were absorbed; plasma concentrations of miR-1 did not change (negative control). The expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), a known target of miR-29b, increased by 31% in blood mononuclear cells after milk consumption compared with baseline. When milk exosomes were added to cell culture media, mimicking postprandial concentrations of miR-29b and miR-200c, reporter gene activities significantly decreased by 44% and 17%, respectively, compared with vehicle controls in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. When C57BL/6J mice were fed a milk miRNA-depleted diet for 4 wk, plasma miR-29b concentrations were significantly decreased by 61% compared with miRNA-sufficient controls, i.e., endogenous synthesis did not compensate for dietary depletion. Broccoli sprout feeding studies were conducted as a control and elicited no detectable increase in Brassica-specific miRNAs. CONCLUSION: We conclude that miRNAs in milk are bioactive food compounds that regulate human genes.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Quantifying the food sources of basal vitamin d input
Authors:
McDonnell, Sharon L.; French, Christine B.; Heaney, Robert P.
Abstract:
Cutaneous synthesis and traditional food sources do not fully account for unsupplemented vitamin D status. Non-traditional food sources may be an undiscovered input. In a cohort of 780 non-supplement-taking adults with a mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] of 33 (±14)ng/ml we assessed the relationship between vitamin D status and selected food sources. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was adjusted for season, UVB exposures, and body size. These adjusted values were then regressed against multiple food items and combinations. Whole milk cottage cheese, eggs, red meat, and total protein were positively associated with total 25(OH)D and/or 25(OH)D3 (P
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Quantifying the non-food sources of basal vitamin D input
Authors:
McDonnell, Sharon L.; French, Christine B.; Heaney, Robert P.
Abstract:
Unsupplemented vitamin D status is determined by cutaneous synthesis and food inputs; however, their relative magnitudes are largely unknown. In a cohort of 780 non-supplement-taking adults with a mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] of 33 (±14)ng/ml we assessed the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and non-food environmental variables. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was adjusted for seasonal influence (which removed 2% of the total variance) and these adjusted values were regressed against factors involved in cutaneous synthesis. Indoor tanning use, sun exposure, and percent of work performed outdoors were significantly positively associated and body mass index (BMI) was significantly negatively associated with 25(OH)D values (P0.10). Season and non-food predictors together explained 13% of the total variance in serum 25(OH)D concentration. Non-traditional food sources need to be investigated as possible vitamin D inputs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Vitamin D Workshop'.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Role of dietary fats in modulating cardiometabolic risk during moderate weight gain: a randomized double-blind overfeeding trial (LIPOGAIN study)
Authors:
Iggman, David; Rosqvist, Fredrik; Larsson, Anders; Arnlov, Johan; Beckman, Lena; Rudling, Mats; Riserus, Ulf
Abstract:
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01427140. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Thyroid hormone regulation of hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism
Authors:
Sinha, Rohit A.; Singh, Brijesh K.; Yen, Paul M.
Abstract:
Thyroid hormone (TH) has important roles in regulating hepatic lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Recent findings suggest that clinical conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are associated with dysregulated hepatic metabolism, may involve altered intracellular TH action. In addition, TH has key roles in lipophagy in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial quality control, and the regulation of metabolic genes. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the functions of TH in hepatic metabolism, the relationship between TH and metabolic disorders, and the potential therapeutic use of thyromimetics to treat metabolic dysfunction in the liver.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
Thyrotoropin receptor knockout changes monoaminergic neuronal system and produces methylphenidate-sensitive emotional and cognitive dysfunction
Authors:
Mouri, Akihiro; Hoshino, Yuta; Narusawa, Shiho; Ikegami, Keisuke; Mizoguchi, Hiroyuki; Murata, Yoshiharu; Yoshimura, Takashi; Nabeshima, Toshitaka
Abstract:
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reported in association with resistance to thyroid hormone, a disease caused by a mutation in the thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) gene. TRβ is a key protein mediating down-regulation of thyrotropin (TSH) expression by 3,3',5-tri-iodothyronine (T3), an active form of thyroid hormone. Dysregulation of TSH and its receptor (TSHR) is implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD but the role of TSHR remains elusive. Here, we clarified a novel role for TSHR in emotional and cognitive functions related to monoaminergic nervous systems. TSHR knockout mice showed phenotypes of ADHD such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, a decrease in sociality and increase in aggression, and an impairment of short-term memory and object recognition memory. Administration of methylphenidate (1, 5 and 10mg/kg) reversed impulsiveness, aggression and object recognition memory impairment. In the knockout mice, monoaminergic changes including decrease in the ratio of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol/noradrenaline and increase in the ratio of homovanillic acid/dopamine were observed in some brain regions, accompanied by increase in the expression of noradrenaline transporter in the frontal cortex. When TSH was completely suppressed by the supraphysiological administration of T3 to the adult mice, some behavioral and neurological changes in TSHR KO mice were also observed, suggesting that these changes were not due to developmental hypothyroidism induced by the inactivation of TSHR but to the loss of the TSH-TSHR pathway itself. Taken together, the present findings suggest a novel role for TSHR in behavioral and neurological phenotypes of ADHD.
Published:
2014-10
Title:
A moderate-fat diet containing pistachios improves emerging markers of cardiometabolic syndrome in healthy adults with elevated LDL levels
Authors:
Holligan, Simone D.; West, Sheila G.; Gebauer, Sarah K.; Kay, Colin D.; Kris-Etherton, Penny M.
Abstract:
A randomised, cross-over, controlled-feeding study was conducted to evaluate the cholesterol-lowering effects of diets containing pistachios as a strategy for increasing total fat (TF) levels v. a control (step I) lower-fat diet. Ex vivo techniques were used to evaluate the effects of pistachio consumption on lipoprotein subclasses and functionality in individuals (n 28) with elevated LDL levels ( >= 2.86 mmol/l). The following test diets (SFA approximately 8 % and cholesterol < 300 mg/d) were used: a control diet (25 % TF); a diet comprising one serving of pistachios per d (1PD; 30 % TF); a diet comprising two servings of pistachios per d (2PD; 34 % TF). A significant decrease in small and dense LDL (sdLDL) levels was observed following the 2PD dietary treatment v. the 1PD dietary treatment (P= 0.03) and following the 2PD dietary treatment v. the control treatment (P= 0.001). Furthermore, reductions in sdLDL levels were correlated with reductions in TAG levels (r 0.424, P= 0.025) following the 2PD dietary treatment v. the control treatment. In addition, inclusion of pistachios increased the levels of functional alpha-1 (P= 0.073) and alpha-2 (P= 0.056) HDL particles. However, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-mediated serum cholesterol efflux capacity (P= 0.016) and global serum cholesterol efflux capacity (P= 0.076) were only improved following the 2PD dietary treatment v. the 1PD dietary treatment when baseline C-reactive protein status was low ( < 103mug/l). Moreover, a significant decrease in the TAG:HDL ratio was observed following the 2PD dietary treatment v. the control treatment (P= 0.036). There was a significant increase in beta-sitosterol levels (P
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Blood cells transcriptomics as source of potential biomarkers of articular health improvement: effects of oral intake of a rooster combs extract rich in hyaluronic acid
Authors:
Sánchez, Juana; Bonet, M. Luisa; Keijer, Jaap; van Schothorst, Evert M.; Mölller, Ingrid; Chetrit, Carles; Martinez-Puig, Daniel; Palou, Andreu
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to explore peripheral blood gene expression as a source of biomarkers of joint health improvement related to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) intake in humans. Healthy individuals with joint discomfort were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study in humans. Subjects ate control yoghurt or yoghurt supplemented with a recently authorized novel food in Europe containing hyaluronic acid (65 %) from rooster comb (Mobilee™ as commercial name) for 90 days. Effects on functional quality-of-life parameters related to joint health were assessed. Whole-genome microarray analysis of peripheral blood samples from a subset of 20 subjects (10 placebo and 10 supplemented) collected pre- and post-intervention was performed. Mobilee™ supplementation reduced articular pain intensity and synovial effusion and improved knee muscular strength indicators as compared to placebo. About 157 coding genes were differentially expressed in blood cells between supplemented and placebo groups post-intervention, but not pre-intervention (p
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Effect of dietary patterns on serum C-reactive protein level
Authors:
Lee, Y; Kang, D; Lee, S-A
Abstract:
Background and Aims: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation which has been shown in multiple prospective epidemiological studies to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Dietary patterns may influence the risk of diseases through the effects of CRP on inflammation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of dietary patterns with CRP in blood, taking into consideration gender and blood pressure.Methods and Results: The present cross-sectional analysis included 7574 participants from a large, population-based study of middle-aged Koreans. Four dietary patterns, including 'fruit', 'vegetable', 'meat' and 'coffee', were derived using factor analysis. Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and CRP after adjusting for age, sex, education, waist circumference, smoke status and alcohol consumption. We found that the 'vegetable' pattern was inversely associated with CRP (Ptrend = 0.01). The adjusted mean CRP was 0.04 mg/dl lower (95% CI -0.07, -0.01) for subjects in the highest quartile of the 'vegetable' pattern compared with those in the lowest quartile. This inverse association was more pronounced in men with hypertensive blood; CRP concentrations across increasing quartile categories of the 'vegetable' pattern score were 0.1, 0.14, and 0.15 mg/dl reduction compared to the 1st quartile (the lowest quartile) (Ptrend = 0.04, Plinearity = 0.02).Conclusions: The inverse association of the 'vegetable' pattern with CRP was assessed, and the association appeared to be more predominant in men with hypertensive blood pressure.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Mouse Models of Prostate Cancer: Picking the Best Model for the Question
Authors:
Grabowska, Magdalena M.; DeGraff, David J.; Yu, Xiuping; Jin, Ren Jie; Chen, Zhenbang; Borowsky, Alexander D.; Matusik, Robert J.
Abstract:
When the NIH Mouse Models of Human Cancer Consortium (MMCC) initiated the Prostate Steering Committee 15 years ago, there were no genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of prostate cancer (PCa). Today, a PubMed search for “prostate cancer mouse model” yields 3,200 publications and this list continues to grow. The first generation of GEM utilized the newly discovered and characterized probasin (PB) promoter driving viral oncogenes such as SV40 large T antigen to yield the LADY and TRAMP models. As the PCa research field has matured, the second generation of models has incorporated the single and multiple molecular changes observed in human disease, such as loss of PTEN and over-expression of Myc. Application of these models has revealed that mice are particularly resistant to developing invasive PCa, and once they achieve invasive disease, the PCa rarely resembles human disease. Nevertheless, these models and their application have provided vital information on human PCa progression. The aim of this review is to provide a brief primer on mouse and human prostate histology and pathology, provide descriptions of mouse models, as well as attempt to answer the age old question: Which GEM model of PCa is the best for my research question?
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Oestrogen levels in serum and urine of premenopausal women eating low and high amounts of meat
Authors:
Harmon, Brook E.; Morimoto, Yukiko; Beckford, Fanchon; Franke, Adrian A.; Stanczyk, Frank Z.; Maskarinec, Gertraud
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Based on the hypothesis that high-meat diets may increase breast cancer risk through hormonal pathways, the present analysis compared oestrogens in serum and urine by meat-eating status. DESIGN: Intervention with repeated measures. SETTING: Two randomized soya trials (BEAN1 and BEAN2) among premenopausal healthy women. SUBJECTS: BEAN1 participants completed seven unannounced 24 h dietary recalls and donated five blood and urine samples over 2 years. BEAN2 women provided seven recalls and three samples over 13 months. Serum samples were analysed for oestrone (E₁) and oestradiol (E₂) using RIA. Nine oestrogen metabolites were measured in urine by LC-MS. Semi-vegetarians included women who reported consuming <30 g of red meat, poultry and fish daily, and pescatarians those who reported consuming 10 g of fish daily. All other women were classified as non-vegetarians. We applied mixed models to compute least-square means by vegetarian status adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: The mean age of the 272 participants was 41·9 (SD 4·5) years. Serum E₁ (85 v. 100 pg/ml, P = 0·04) and E₂ (140 v. 154 pg/ml, P = 0·04) levels were lower in the thirty-seven semi-vegetarians than in the 235 non-vegetarians. The sum of the nine urinary oestrogen metabolites (183 v. 200 pmol/mg creatinine, P = 0·27) and the proportions of individual oestrogens and pathways did not differ by meat-eating status. Restricting the models to the samples collected during the luteal phase strengthened the associations. CONCLUSIONS: Given the limitations of the study, the lower levels of serum oestrogens in semi-vegetarians than non-vegetarians need confirmation in larger populations.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Phenotypic flexibility as key factor in the human nutrition and health relationship
Authors:
van Ommen, Ben; van der Greef, Jan; Ordovas, Jose Maria; Daniel, Hannelore
Abstract:
Metabolic adaptation to a disturbance of homeostasis is determined by a series of interconnected physiological processes and molecular mechanisms that can be followed in space (i.e., different organs or organelles) and in time. The amplitudes of these responses of this "systems flexibility network" determine to what extent the individual can adequately react to external challenges of varying nature and thus determine the individual's health status and disease predisposition. Connected pathways and regulatory networks act as "adaptive response systems" with metabolic and inflammatory processes as a core-but embedded into psycho-neuro-endocrine control mechanisms that in their totality define the phenotypic flexibility in an individual. Optimal metabolic health is thus the orchestration of all mechanisms and processes that maintain this flexibility in an organism as a phenotype. Consequently, onset of many chronic metabolic diseases results from impairment or even loss of flexibility in parts of the system. This also means that metabolic diseases need to be diagnosed and treated from a systems perspective referring to a "systems medicine" approach. This requires a far better understanding of the mechanisms involved in maintaining, optimizing and restoring phenotypic flexibility. Although a loss of flexibility in a specific part of the network may promote pathologies, this not necessarily takes place in the same part because the system compensates. Diagnosis at systems level therefore needs the quantification of the response reactions of all relevant parts of the phenotypic flexibility system. This can be achieved by disturbing the homeostatic system by any challenge from extended fasting, to intensive exercise or a caloric overload.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Physiological links between circadian rhythms, metabolism and nutrition
Authors:
Johnston, Jonathan D.
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms, metabolism and nutrition are closely interlinked. A great deal of recent research has investigated not only how aspects of metabolic physiology are driven by circadian clocks, but also how these circadian clocks are themselves sensitive to metabolic change. At the cellular level, novel feedback loops have been identified that couple circadian 'clock genes' and their proteins to expression of nuclear receptors, regulation of redox state and other major pathways. Using targeted disruption of circadian clocks, mouse models are providing novel insight into the role of tissue-specific clocks in glucose homeostasis and body weight regulation. The relationship between circadian rhythms and obesity appears complex, with variable alteration of rhythms in obese individuals. However, it is clear from animal studies that the timing and nutritional composition of meals can regulate circadian rhythms, particularly in peripheral tissues. Translation of these findings to human physiology now represents an important goal.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Return of hunger following a relatively high carbohydrate breakfast is associated with earlier recorded glucose peak and nadir
Authors:
Chandler-Laney, Paula C.; Morrison, Shannon A.; Goree, Laura Lee T.; Ellis, Amy C.; Casazza, Krista; Desmond, Renee; Gower, Barbara A.
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that a breakfast meal with high carbohydrate/low fat results in an earlier increase in postprandial glucose and insulin, a greater decrease below baseline in postprandial glucose, and an earlier return of appetite, compared with a low carbohydrate/high fat meal. Overweight but otherwise healthy adults (n = 64) were maintained on one of two eucaloric diets: high carbohydrate/low fat (HC/LF; 55:27:18% kcals from carbohydrate:fat:protein) versus low carbohydrate/high fat (LC/HF; 43:39:18% kcals from carbohydrate:fat:protein). After 4 weeks of acclimation to the diets, participants underwent a meal test during which circulating glucose and insulin and self-reported hunger and fullness, were measured before and after consumption of breakfast from their assigned diets. The LC/HF meal resulted in a later time at the highest and lowest recorded glucose, higher glucose concentrations at 3 and 4 hours post meal, and lower insulin incremental area under the curve. Participants consuming the LC/HF meal reported lower appetite 3 and 4 hours following the meal, a response that was associated with the timing of the highest and lowest recorded glucose. Modest increases in meal carbohydrate content at the expense of fat content may facilitate weight gain over the long-term by contributing to an earlier rise and fall of postprandial glucose concentrations and an earlier return of appetite.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Thyroid function in obese children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors:
Bilgin, Hüseyin; Pirgon, Özgür
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between thyroid function and metabolic risk factors in obese adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: One hundred sixty obese adolescents and 40 control subjects were enrolled in the study. The obese subjects were divided into two groups based on presence or absence of liver steatosis (NAFLD group and non-NAFLD group). Serum samples were assayed for glucose, insulin, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The ratio of fT3 to fT4 was evaluated as an indirect index of deiodinase activity. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) from fasting samples. RESULTS: NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups had slightly higher fasting blood glucose values than the control group. Fasting insulin levels in the NAFLD group were significantly higher than those in the non-NAFLD and control groups. The NAFLD group had significantly greater HOMA-IR values compared with the non-NAFLD group and also with the control group. The NAFLD group had significantly higher fT3/fT4 ratio values compared to both non-NAFLD and control groups. fT3/fT4 was positively correlated with serum insulin levels in the NAFLD group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that obese adolescents with hepatosteatosis had elevated values for fT3/fT4 ratio. This finding suggested a high conversion of T4 to T3 due to increased deiodinase activity as a compensatory mechanism for fat accumulation.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Triglyceride is strongly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among markers of hyperlipidemia and diabetes
Authors:
TOMIZAWA, MINORU; KAWANABE, YUJI; SHINOZAKI, FUMINOBU; SATO, SUMIHIKO; MOTOYOSHI, YASUFUMI; SUGIYAMA, TAKAO; YAMAMOTO, SHIGENORI; SUEISHI, MAKOTO
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to reveal the metabolic disorders most commonly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), blood glucose (BG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were analyzed. NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound (US), and TG, HDL, LDL, BG and HbA1c were immediately collected on the same day and subjected to multivariate regression analysis. Stepwise analysis was performed to select the variables that were closely associated with NAFLD. The patients who were positive for the hepatitis B antigen and hepatitis C antibody were excluded from the study. Additionally, the patients who were prescribed prednisolone or methotrexate were excluded from the study as these agents may cause NAFLD or liver toxicity. The study included 168 and 125 patients with and without NAFLD, respectively. TG, BG and HbA1c were strongly correlated with NAFLD. Among these parameters, TG was the strongest predictor of NAFLD (χ2=9.89, P=0.0017). TG was the parameter that was most strongly associated with NAFLD. In conclusion, elevated TG was a marker of NAFLD.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Vitamin B12 as a potential compliance marker for fish intake
Authors:
Scheers, Nathalie; Lindqvist, Helen; Langkilde, Anna Maria; Undeland, Ingrid; Sandberg, Ann-Sofie
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the following four markers: vitamin B12, selenium, vitamin D, and parvalbumin may be used as compliance markers for fish intake. METHODS: Blood samples from a randomized cross-over herring intervention study (n = 32) were analysed by HPLC and immunochemistry. The criteria were that plasma or serum concentrations of candidate compliance markers after the herring diet should increase significantly compared to starting concentrations. In addition, the reference meat diet should not yield an increase in plasma concentration of the candidate marker. RESULTS: Vitamin B12 and selenium met the set criteria for indicating a correlation between the marker and fish intake with significant increases in serum concentrations at 8.9% (p = 0.008) and 4.6% (p = 0.02), respectively, after a 6-week herring intervention (5 meals a week). Parvalbumin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels did not increase significantly after the herring interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 may be suitable as a compliance marker for fish intake. Although selenium also met the criteria, the change in selenium serum concentrations was small compared to the change in vitamin B12 levels.
Published:
2014-09
Title:
Allicin: Chemistry and Biological Properties
Authors:
Borlinghaus, Jan; Albrecht, Frank; Gruhlke, Martin C. H.; Nwachukwu, Ifeanyi D.; Slusarenko, Alan J.
Abstract:
Allicin (diallylthiosulfinate) is a defence molecule from garlic (Allium sativum L.) with a broad range of biological activities. Allicin is produced upon tissue damage from the non-proteinogenic amino acid alliin (S-allylcysteine sulfoxide) in a reaction ...
Published:
2014-08
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