top of page
Published Science
Click Search to Filter.
Total Entries: 10690
Title:
Saturated fat, carbohydrates and cardiovascular disease. [Review]
Authors:
Kuipers, R. S.; de Graaf, D. J.; Luxwolda, M. F.; Muskiet, M. H. A.; Dijck-Brouwer, D. A. J.; Muskiet, F. A. J.
Abstract:
The dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) is associated with a modest increase in serum total cholesterol, but not with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Replacing dietary SAFA with carbohydrates (CHO), notably those with a high glycaemic index, is associated with an increase in CVD risk in observational cohorts, while replacing SAFA with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is associated with reduced CVD risk. However, replacing a combination of SAFA and trans-fatty acids with n-6 PUFA (notably linoleic acid) in controlled trials showed no indication of benefit and a signal toward increased coronary heart disease risk, suggesting that n-3 PUFA may be responsible for the protective association between total PUFA and CVD. High CHO intakes stimulate hepatic SAFA synthesis and conservation of dietary SAFA . Hepatic de novo lipogenesis from CHO is also stimulated during eucaloric dietary substitution of SAFA by CHO with high glycaemic index in normo-insulinaemic subjects and during hypocaloric high-CHO/low-fat diets in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. The accumulation of SAFA stimulates chronic systemic low-grade inflammation through its mimicking of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and/or the induction of other pro-inflammatory stimuli. The resulting systemic low-grade inflammation promotes insulin resistance, reallocation of energy-rich substrates and atherogenic dyslipidaemia that concertedly give rise to increased CVD risk. We conclude that avoidance of SAFA accumulation by reducing the intake of CHO with high glycaemic index is more effective in the prevention of CVD than reducing SAFA intake per se.
Published:
2011-09
Title:
Serum concentration of adipocytokines in prepubertal vegetarian and omnivorous children
Authors:
Ambroszkiewicz, Jadwiga; Klemarczyk, Witold; Gajewska, Joanna; Chełchowska, Magdalena; Rowicka, Grażyna; Ołtarzewski, Mariusz; Laskowska-Klita, Teresa
Abstract:
THE AIM of our study was to investigate associations between serum adipocytokines status and anthropometric parameters as well as total energy and macronutrient intake in vegetarian, normal-weight omnivorous and obese omnivorous children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 90 healthy prepubertal children aged 4-10 years who had been referred to the Department of Nutrition at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw for dietary consultation. Patients with endocrine disorders or genetic syndromes, as well as those who were taking medications that could affect growth, pubertal development or nutritional status were excluded. Children were divided into groups: vegetarians (n=30), normal-weight omnivores (n=30) and obese omnivores (n=30). Anthropometric measurement (weight, height) was performed in all children and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was performed to determine fat mass, the percentage of body fat and lean body mass using a Lunar Prodigy (GE, USA). Dietary constituents were assessed by questionnaire (nutrient intake from a 3-day period: 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) and calculated using the nutritional computer program Dietetyk2®. Serum total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides concentrations were assessed by standard enzymatic methods. Serum levels of leptin, soluble leptin receptor and adiponectin were determined by immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in body weight, height, BMI and lean mass values between vegetarians and normal-weight children on traditional mixed diet. Children on vegetarian diet had lower fat mass (p<0.05) and fat mass/lean mass ratio (p<0.05) than normal-weight omnivores. However, omnivorous children with simple obesity had significantly higher body weight, height, BMI, fat and lean mass in comparison to vegetarian as well to normal-weight omnivorous children. The fat mass/lean mass ratio in obese children was about 2.5-fold higher than in normal-weight subjects on traditional diet. Total energy and percentage of energy from macronutrients in diets of all children were within the recommended daily intake. Children on vegetarian diet was related with lower fat and higher carbohydrates intake in comparison to their omnivorous peers. Vegetarian children had significantly lower mean total cholesterol (151.5±18.0 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein (81.0±13.6 mg/dL) and triglycerides (61.6±20.5 mg/dL) than omnivores, especially the obese ones (165.0±22.3 mg/dL, 94.7±19.2 mg/dL, 82.4±32.3 mg/dL, respectively). These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Serum concentration of leptin was significantly lower in vegetarian children (3.0±2.1 ng/ml) compared with omnivores (6.8±3.4 ng/ml in normal weight versus 37.8±12.7 ng/ml in obese) (p<0.0001). However, serum soluble leptin receptor as well as adiponectin were at higher levels in vegetarians than in omnivores (p<0.001 and p
Published:
2011-09
Title:
The addiction potential of hyperpalatable foods
Authors:
Gearhardt, Ashley N.; Davis, Caroline; Kuschner, Rachel; Brownell, Kelly D.
Abstract:
Scientific interest in "food addiction" continues to grow due both to neurobiological and behavioral similarities between substance dependence and excessive food consumption. An important next step is to examine the addictive potential of highly processed foods. In this paper, we explore addiction-related changes in the modern food environment (e.g., increased potency, elevated speed of absorption), examine the historical and modern understanding of addictive substances as applied to hyperpalatable foods, and outline shared factors that increase the public health costs of both addictive drugs and certain foods.
Published:
2011-09
Title:
The effect of vegetarian diet on selected essential nutrients in children
Authors:
Laskowska-Klita, Teresa; Chełchowska, Magdalena; Ambroszkiewicz, Jadwiga; Gajewska, Joanna; Klemarczyk, Witold
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Vegetarian diets are considered to promote health and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. It is also known that restriction or exclusion of animal foods may result in low intake of essential nutrients. The aim of the presented study was to assess the intake and serum status of vitamin B12, folate, vitamins A, E and D, as well as concentrations of homocysteine, total antioxidant status and iron balance in Polish vegetarian children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 children, aged 5-11 who had been referred to the Institute of Mother and Child for dietary consultation. From those, 32 were vegetarians (aged 6.5±4.2 years) and 18 omnivores (aged 7.9±2.7 years). Dietary constituents were analyzed using the nutritional programme Dietetyk2®. Folate and vitamin B12 were determined with a chemiluminescence immunoassay, total homocysteine with a fluorescence polarization immunoassay and TAS (total antioxidant status) by colorimetric method. Vitamin A and E in serum were determined by the high-pressure liquid chromatography method (HPLC) and vitamin D by immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in serum were determined by commercially available kits. RESULTS: In vegetarian children daily intake of vitamin B12 (1.6 ěg) was in the recommended range, that of folate (195 ěg) and vitamin A (1245 ěg) higher, but vitamin E slightly lower (6.6 ěg) and three-fold lower vitamin D (1.1 ěg) than references allowance. Serum concentrations of vitamin B12 (548 pg/ml), folate (12.8 ng/ml), vitamin A (1.2 ěmol/L), vitamin E (15.6 ěmol/l) were within physiological range, but that of vitamin D (13.7 ěg/L) was only half of the lowest limit of the reference value. In vegetarian children in comparison to omnivorous similar levels of homocysteine (6.13 ěmol/L vs 5.45 ěmol/L) and vitamin A (1,17 ěmol/L vs 1.32 ěmol/L) were observed. Lower (p<0.05) values of vitamin E (15.6 ěmol/L vs 18.4 ěmol/L) and TAS (1.21 mmol/L vs 1.30 mmol/L; p
Published:
2011-09
Title:
Vegetarians have a reduced skeletal muscle carnitine transport capacity
Authors:
Stephens, Francis B.; Marimuthu, Kanagaraj; Cheng, Yi; Patel, Nitin; Constantin, Despina; Simpson, Elizabeth J.; Greenhaff, Paul L.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Ninety-five percent of the body carnitine pool resides in skeletal muscle where it plays a vital role in fuel metabolism. However, vegetarians obtain negligible amounts of carnitine from their diet. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that muscle carnitine uptake is elevated in vegetarians compared with that in nonvegetarians to maintain a normal tissue carnitine content. DESIGN: Forty-one young (aged ≈22 y) vegetarian and nonvegetarian volunteers participated in 2 studies. The first study consisted of a 5-h intravenous infusion of l-carnitine while circulating insulin was maintained at a physiologically high concentration (≈170 mU/L; to stimulate muscle carnitine uptake) or at a fasting concentration (≈6 mU/L). The second study consisted of oral ingestion of 3 g l-carnitine. RESULTS: Basal plasma total carnitine (TC) concentration, 24-h urinary TC excretion, muscle TC content, and muscle carnitine transporter [organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2)] messenger RNA and protein expressions were 16% (P < 0.01), 58% (P < 0.01), 17% (P < 0.05), 33% (P < 0.05), and 37% (P = 0.09) lower, respectively, in vegetarian volunteers. However, although nonvegetarians showed a 15% increase (P
Published:
2011-09
Title:
Why are there no proven therapies for genetic mitochondrial diseases?
Authors:
Stacpoole, Peter W.
Abstract:
Although mitochondrial disease research in general is robust, adequate treatment of these life-threatening conditions has lagged, partly because of a persistence of clinical anecdotes as substitutes for scientifically and ethically rigorous clinical trials. Here I summarize the key lessons learned from some of the "first generation" of randomized controlled trials for genetic mitochondrial diseases and suggest how future trials may benefit from both past experience and exciting new resources available for patient-oriented research and training in this field. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society.
Published:
2011-09
Title:
A pilot study of the Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet: an effective therapy for the metabolic syndrome
Authors:
Pérez-Guisado, Joaquín; Muñoz-Serrano, Andrés
Abstract:
The "Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet" (SKMD) has been shown to promote potential therapeutic properties for the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic properties under free-living conditions of the SKMD in patients with metabolic syndrome (following the International Diabetes Federation consensus guidelines) over a 12-week period. A prospective study was carried out in 22 obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (12 men and 10 women) with the inclusion criteria whose body mass index of 36.58 ± 0.54 kg/m² and age was 41.18 ± 2.28 years. Statistical differences between the parameters studied before and after the administration of the SKMD (week 0 and 12, respectively) were analyzed by paired Student's t test. There was an extremely significant (P 30 kg/m². We conclude that the SKMD could be an effective and safe way to cure patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. Future research should include a larger sample size, a longer-term use, and a comparison with other ketogenic diets.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
A pilot study of the Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet: an effective therapy for the metabolic syndrome
Authors:
Perez-Guisado, Joaquin; Munoz-Serrano, Andres
Abstract:
The "Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet" (SKMD) has been shown to promote potential therapeutic properties for the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic properties under free-living conditions of the SKMD in patients with metabolic syndrome (following the International Diabetes Federation consensus guidelines) over a 12-week period. A prospective study was carried out in 22 obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (12 men and 10 women) with the inclusion criteria whose body mass index of 36.58 +/- 0.54 kg/m2 and age was 41.18 +/- 2.28 years. Statistical differences between the parameters studied before and after the administration of the SKMD (week 0 and 12, respectively) were analyzed by paired Student's t test. There was an extremely significant (P 30 kg/m2. We conclude that the SKMD could be an effective and safe way to cure patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. Future research should include a larger sample size, a longer-term use, and a comparison with other ketogenic diets.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Blood pressure of omnivorous and semi-vegetarian postmenopausal women and their relationship with dietary and hair concentrations of essential and toxic metals
Authors:
Rodenas, S.; Sánchez-Muniz, F. J.; Bastida, S.; Sevillano, M. I.; Larrea Marín, T.; González-Muñoz, M. J.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to ascertain the relationships between mineral consumption, hair mineral content, and blood pressure. METHODS: The study involved 26 postmenopausal women from enclosed religious communities, 14 were semi-vegetarians and 12 were omnivores. Mineral dietary assessment was performed using a 14-d precise weight method and Food tables. Hair mineral levels were measured by means Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariable stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to find out the variables that affected most blood pressure. RESULTS: In general terms, the omnivorous diet contained a significantly higher mineral content than the semi-vegetarian one. The mineral intake from both diets implied no health risk to the women studied, as their estimated daily intake (EDI) of toxic elements such as Cd and Pb was lower than their respective provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of these minerals. Hair of the semi-vegetarians contained higher amounts of Al (p < 0.01), Ba (p < 0.01), K (p < 0.001), Na (p < 0.001), Pb (p < 0.001) and Mn (p < 0.01) but lower levels of Ca (p < 0.05) and Zn (p < 0.05) than that of their omnivorous counterparts. The omnivores presented significantly higher systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic (p
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Dairy products and its association with incidence of cardiovascular disease: the Malmo diet and cancer cohort
Authors:
Sonestedt, Emily; Wirfalt, Elisabet; Wallstrom, Peter; Gullberg, Bo; Orho-Melander, Marju; Hedblad, Bo
Abstract:
It is unclear whether specific dairy products are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this project was therefore to examine the association between intake of milk, cheese, cream and butter, and incidence of CVD in the Swedish Malmo Diet and Cancer cohort. Milk was separated into fermented (yoghurt and cultured sour milk) versus non-fermented milk, and low-fat versus high-fat milk. Among 26,445 individuals without a history of myocardial infarction, stroke and diabetes (44-74 years; 62% females), 2,520 CVD cases (coronary and stroke events) were identified during a mean follow-up time of 12 years. Dietary data was collected using a modified diet history method. Overall consumption of dairy products was inversely associated with risk of CVD (P (trend) = 0.05). Among the specific dairy products, a statistically significant inverse relationship was observed only for fermented milk. The highest versus lowest intake category of fermented milk was associated with 15% (95% CI: 5-24%; P (trend) = 0.003) decreased incidence of CVD. We observed a statistically significant interaction between sex and cheese intake (P = 0.046). Cheese intake was significantly associated with decreased CVD risk in women (P (trend) = 0.03), but not in men (P (trend) = 0.98). The main finding was that a high intake of fermented milk may reduce the risk of CVD. This study suggests that it is important to examine dairy products separately when investigating their health effects.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Decreases in dietary glycemic index are related to weight loss among individuals following therapeutic diets for type 2 diabetes
Authors:
Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M.; Jenkins, David J. A.; Barnard, Neal D.; Cohen, Joshua; Gloede, Lise; Green, Amber A.
Abstract:
This study assessed the effect of changes in glycemic index (GI) and load (GL) on weight loss and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among individuals with type 2 diabetes beginning a vegan diet or diet following the 2003 American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations. The study was a 22-wk, randomized trial of 99 participants with type 2 diabetes who were counseled to follow 1 of 2 diet treatments. GI and GL changes were assessed based on 3-d dietary records. The relationships between GI/GL and changes in weight and HbA1C were calculated. In an intention-to-treat analysis (n = 99), the vegan group reduced GI to a greater extent than the ADA group (P < 0.05), but GL was reduced further in the ADA than the vegan group (P
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Dietary intake and oxidative stress in breast cancer: before and after treatments
Authors:
Rockenbach, G.; Di Pietro, P. F.; Ambrosi, C.; Boaventura, B. C. B.; Vieira, F. G. K.; Crippa, C. G.; Da Silva, E. L.; Fausto, M. A.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in dietary intake, anthropometric parameters and markers of oxidative stress in 40 women who underwent surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for breast cancer. METHODS: Pretreatment and post-treatment measurements included data collected through a food frequency questionnaire, weight and height to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and oxidative stress markers assessed from blood reduced glutathione (GSH), serum antioxidant capacity (AC), plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum lipid hydroperoxides (LH) and plasma carbonyls. Differences were compared using paired Student's t-test or paired Wilcoxon's test. RESULTS: A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the intake of the food groups: meat and eggs, dairy products, beans, oils and fats, as well as food from the subgroups: red meat, milk and other dairy products rich in fat, fruit rich in vitamin C and vegetable fats was found after treatments. There was a significant increase in body weight (P < 0.05), BMI (P < 0.05), levels of TBARS (P < 0.0001), LH (P < 0.005) and carbonyls (P < 0.0001) and a significant decrease of levels of AC (P < 0.005) and GSH (P
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Dietary treatment of epilepsy: rebirth of an ancient treatment
Authors:
Jóźwiak, Sergiusz; Kossoff, Eric H.; Kotulska-Jóźwiak, Katarzyna
Abstract:
Since its introduction in 1921, the ketogenic diet has been in continuous use for children with difficult-to-control epilepsy. After decades of relative disuse, it is now both extremely popular and well studied, with approximately two-thirds of children demonstrating significant seizure reduction after 6 months. It is being used for less intractable seizures in children as well as recently adults. Modifications that help improve tolerability include the medium chain triglyceride diet, modified Atkins diet, and low glycemic index treatment. Major side effects include acidosis, increased cholesterol, kidney stones, gastroesophageal reflux, and growth disturbance. However, these side effects are usually treatable and nowadays often even preventable. Future non-epilepsy indications such as Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, and brain tumors are under active investigation. This dietary treatment for epilepsy has undergone a rebirth. Its widespread use in Poland and Europe is a welcome additional treatment for those with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Executive summary--Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development: Building a Consensus
Authors:
Raiten, Daniel J.; Namasté, Sorrel; Brabin, Bernard; Combs, Gerald; L'Abbe, Mary R.; Wasantwisut, Emorn; Darnton-Hill, Ian
Abstract:
The ability to develop evidence-based clinical guidance and effective programs and policies to achieve global health promotion and disease prevention goals depends on the availability of valid and reliable data. With specific regard to the role of food and nutrition in achieving those goals, relevant data are developed with the use of biomarkers that reflect nutrient exposure, status, and functional effect. A need exists to promote the discovery, development, and use of biomarkers across a range of applications. In addition, a process is needed to harmonize the global health community's decision making about what biomarkers are best suited for a given use under specific conditions and settings. To address these needs, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, organized a conference entitled "Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development: Building a Consensus," which was hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Partners included key multilateral, US agencies and public and private organizations. The assembly endorsed the utility of this initiative and the need for the BOND (Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development) project to continue. A consensus was reached on the requirement to develop a process to inform the community about the relative strengths or weaknesses and specific applications of various biomarkers under defined conditions. The articles in this supplement summarize the deliberations of the 4 working groups: research, clinical, policy, and programmatic. Also described are content presentations on the harmonization processes, the evidence base for biomarkers for 5 case-study micronutrients, and new frontiers in science and technology.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Fatty acid intakes of children and adolescents are not in line with the dietary intake recommendations for future cardiovascular health: a systematic review of dietary intake data from thirty countries. [Review]
Authors:
Harika, Rajwinder K.; Cosgrove, Maeve C.; Osendarp, Saskia J. M.; Verhoef, Petra; Zock, Peter L.
Abstract:
Fatty acid composition of the diet may influence cardiovascular risk from early childhood onwards. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic review of dietary fat and fatty acid intakes in children and adolescents from different countries around the world and compare these with the population nutrient intake goals for prevention of chronic diseases as defined by the WHO (2003). Data on fat and fatty acid intake were mainly collected from national dietary surveys and from population studies all published during or after 1995. These were identified by searching PubMed, and through nutritionists at local Unilever offices in different countries. Fatty acid intake data from thirty countries mainly from developed countries were included. In twenty-eight of the thirty countries, mean SFA intakes were higher than the recommended maximum of 10 % energy, whereas in twenty-one out of thirty countries mean PUFA intakes were below recommended (6-10 % energy). More and better intake data are needed, in particular for developing regions of the world, and future research should determine the extent to which improvement of dietary fatty acid intake in childhood translates into lower CHD risk in later life. Despite these limitations, the available data clearly indicate that in the majority of the countries providing data on fatty acid intake, less than half of the children and adolescents meet the SFA and PUFA intake goals that are recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction associated with soy product consumption
Authors:
Siepmann, Timo; Roofeh, Joseph; Kiefer, Florian W.; Edelson, David G.
Abstract:
Previous research has focused on the beneficial effects of soy and its active ingredients, isoflavones. For instance, soy consumption has been associated with lower cardiovascular and breast cancer risks. However, the number of reports demonstrating adverse effects of isoflavones due to their estrogenlike properties has increased. We present the case of a 19-y-old type 1 diabetic but otherwise healthy man with sudden onset of loss of libido and erectile dysfunction after the ingestion of large quantities of soy-based products in a vegan-style diet. Blood levels of free and total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were taken at the initial presentation for examination and continuously monitored up to 2 y after discontinuation of the vegan diet. Blood concentrations of free and total testosterone were initially decreased, whereas DHEA was increased. These parameters normalized within 1 y after cessation of the vegan diet. Normalization of testosterone and DHEA levels was paralleled by a constant improvement of symptoms; full sexual function was regained 1 y after cessation of the vegan diet. This case indicates that soy product consumption is related to hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a combination of decreased free testosterone and increased DHEA blood concentrations after consuming a soy-rich diet. Hence, this case emphasizes the impact of isoflavones in the regulation of sex hormones and associated physical alterations.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Iodine status and thyroid function of Boston-area vegetarians and vegans
Authors:
Leung, Angela M.; Lamar, Andrew; He, Xuemei; Braverman, Lewis E.; Pearce, Elizabeth N.
Abstract:
CONTEXT: Adequate dietary iodine is required for normal thyroid function. The iodine status and thyroid function of U.S. vegetarians and vegans have not been previously studied. Environmental perchlorate and thiocyanate (inhibitors of thyroid iodine uptake) exposures may adversely affect thyroid function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the iodine status and thyroid function of U.S. vegetarians (consume plant based products, eggs, milk; abstain from meat, poultry, fish, shellfish) and vegans (avoid all animal products) and whether these may be affected by environmental perchlorate and thiocyanate exposures. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional assessment of urinary iodine, perchlorate, and thiocyanate concentrations and serum thyroid function in Boston-area vegetarians and vegans. SUBJECTS: One hundred forty-one subjects (78 vegetarians, 63 vegans) were recruited; one vegan was excluded. RESULTS: Median urinary iodine concentration of vegans (78.5 μg/liter; range 6.8-964.7 μg/liter) was lower than vegetarians (147.0 μg/liter; range 9.3-778.6 μg/liter) (P < 0.01). Adjusted for cigarette smoking (confirmed by urinary cotinine levels) and thiocyanate-rich food consumption, median urinary thiocyanate concentration of vegans (630 μg/liter; range 108-3085 μg/liter) was higher than vegetarians (341 μg/liter; range 31-1963 μg/liter) (P
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Nutriproteomics: technologies and applications for identification and quantification of biomarkers and ingredients
Authors:
Sénéchal, Sandra; Kussmann, Martin
Abstract:
Nutrition refers to the process by which a living organism ingests and digests food and uses the nutrients therein for growth, tissue maintenance and all other functions essential to life. Food components interact with our body at molecular, cellular, organ and system level. Nutrients come in complex mixtures, in which the presence and concentration of single compounds as well as their interactions with other compounds and the food matrix influence their bioavailability and bioefficacy. Traditionally, nutrition research mainly concentrated on supplying nutrients of quality to nourish populations and on preventing specific nutrient deficiencies. More recently, it investigates health-related aspects of individual ingredients or of complete diets, in view of health promotion, performance optimisation, disease prevention and risk assessment. This review focuses on proteins and peptides, their role as nutrients and biomarkers and on the technologies developed for their analysis. In the first part of this review, we provide insights into the way proteins are currently characterised and analysed using classical and emerging proteomic approaches. The scope of the second part is to review major applications of proteomics to nutrition, from characterisation of food proteins and peptides, via investigation of health-related food benefits to understanding disease-related mechanisms.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Revision of failed bariatric procedures to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
Authors:
Khoursheed, Mousa A.; Al-Bader, Ibtisam A.; Al-asfar, Fahad S.; Mohammad, Ali I.; Shukkur, Mumtaz; Dashti, Hussain M.
Abstract:
Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity has been established as an effective treatment method and has been shown to be associated with resolution of co-morbidities. Despite its success, some patients may require revision because of weight regain or mechanical complications. From September 2005 to December 2009, 42 patients underwent revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). All procedures were performed by one surgeon. Demographics, indications for revision, complications, and weight loss were reviewed. Thirty-seven patients were treated with laparoscopic (n = 36) or open (n = 1) RYGB after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Four patient were treated with laparoscopic (n = 3) or open (n-1) RYGB after failed vertical banded gastroplasty, and one patient underwent open redo RYGB due to large gastric pouch. Conversion rate from laparoscopy to open surgery was 2.5% (one patient). Mean operative time was 145.83 ± 35.19 min, and hospital stay was 3.36 ± 1.20 days. There was no mortality. Early and late complications occurred in six patients (14.2%). The mean follow-up was 15.83 ± 13.43 months. Mean preoperative body mass index was 45.15 ± 7.95 that decreased to 35.23 ± 6.7, and mean percentage excess weight loss was 41.19 ± 20.22 after RYGB within our follow-up period. RYGB as a revisional bariatric procedure is effective to treat complications of restrictive procedures and to further reduce weight in morbidly obese patients.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
The association of acne vulgaris with diet
Authors:
Veith, Whitney B.; Silverberg, Nanette B.
Abstract:
Acne vulgaris is a common disorder of the pilosebaceous unit affecting adolescents and adults. The rise in incidence of acne in the United States may relate to the Western diet--which is rich in dairy and refined sugars, and high in glycemic load--and to the obesity epidemic. We reviewed the literature on diet and acne. Evidence exists highlighting the association of acne and high glycemic loads, certain dairy products, and refined sugar product ingestion. Future studies are required to determine if dietary modification will reduce long-term acne burden.
Published:
2011-08
Title:
Thyroid function at diagnosis of type I diabetes
Authors:
Joseph, J.; Saroha, V.; Payne, H.; Paul, P.; Didi, M.; Isherwood, D.; Blair, J.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: National guidelines recommend that thyroid function is assessed at diagnosis of type I diabetes (TIDM) and annually thereafter. This paper reports an audit of thyroid surveillance in accordance with this guideline. PATIENTS: 110 patients (66 males), median age 11.3 (1.2-15.7) years at diagnosis of TIDM, were monitored for 2.3 (0.7-4.2) years. RESULTS: 21/110 (19.0%) patients had abnormal thyroid function at diagnosis of TIDM. Of these, 16 had normal thyroid function on reassessment after 45 (3-540) days. Abnormalities of thyroid function occurred more commonly in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) than those who did not have DKA (9/29, 31.0% vs 12/81, 14.8%, p
Published:
2011-08
Title:
A ketogenic diet suppresses seizures in mice through adenosine A₁ receptors
Authors:
Masino, Susan A.; Li, Tianfu; Theofilas, Panos; Sandau, Ursula S.; Ruskin, David N.; Fredholm, Bertil B.; Geiger, Jonathan D.; Aronica, Eleonora; Boison, Detlev
Abstract:
A ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate metabolic regimen; its effectiveness in the treatment of refractory epilepsy suggests that the mechanisms underlying its anticonvulsive effects differ from those targeted by conventional antiepileptic drugs. Recently, KD and analogous metabolic strategies have shown therapeutic promise in other neurologic disorders, such as reducing brain injury, pain, and inflammation. Here, we have shown that KD can reduce seizures in mice by increasing activation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs). When transgenic mice with spontaneous seizures caused by deficiency in adenosine metabolism or signaling were fed KD, seizures were nearly abolished if mice had intact A1Rs, were reduced if mice expressed reduced A1Rs, and were unaltered if mice lacked A1Rs. Seizures were restored by injecting either glucose (metabolic reversal) or an A1R antagonist (pharmacologic reversal). Western blot analysis demonstrated that the KD reduced adenosine kinase, the major adenosine-metabolizing enzyme. Importantly, hippocampal tissue resected from patients with medically intractable epilepsy demonstrated increased adenosine kinase. We therefore conclude that adenosine deficiency may be relevant to human epilepsy and that KD can reduce seizures by increasing A1R-mediated inhibition.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
ADHD is associated with a "Western" dietary pattern in adolescents
Authors:
Howard, Amber L.; Robinson, Monique; Smith, Grant J.; Ambrosini, Gina L.; Piek, Jan P.; Oddy, Wendy H.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between dietary patterns and ADHD in a population-based cohort of adolescents. METHOD: The Raine Study is a prospective study following 2,868 live births. At the 14-year follow-up, the authors collected detailed adolescent dietary data, allowing for the determination of major dietary patterns using factor analysis. ADHD diagnoses were recorded according to International Classification of Deiseases, 9th Revision coding conventions. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between scores for major dietary pattern and ADHD diagnoses. RESULTS: Data were available for 1,799 adolescents, and a total of 115 adolescents had an ADHD diagnosis. Two major dietary patterns were identified: "Western" and "Healthy." A higher score for the Western dietary pattern was associated with ADHD diagnosis (odds ratio=2.21, 95% confidence interval=1.18, 4.13) after adjusting for known confounding factors from pregnancy to 14 years. ADHD diagnosis was not associated with the "Healthy" dietary pattern. CONCLUSION: A Western-style diet may be associated with ADHD.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Antidepressants and the risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmia: Antidepressants and Sudden Cardiac Death/Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors:
Leonard, Charles E.; Bilker, Warren B.; Newcomb, Craig; Kimmel, Stephen E.; Hennessy, Sean
Abstract:
Purpose—To examine the association between exposure to antidepressants and emergency department or inpatient admission for sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmia (SD/VA), and to examine the impact of dose and cytochrome P-450 inhibition Methods—A cohort study was conducted within 1999–2003 Medicaid claims data from beneficiaries of five large states, supplemented with Medicare claims for dually-eligible individuals. Exposures were prescription claims for antidepressants of interest or a reference antidepressant. Outcomes were incident first-listed emergency department or principal inpatient diagnoses indicative of SD/VA originating in the outpatient setting, an outcome previously found to have a positive predictive value of 85%. Results—In 1.3 million person-years of antidepressant exposure, we identified 4,222 SD/VA outcomes for a rate of 3.3/1,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.2 – 3.4). Compared to paroxetine (a referent with a putatively favorable cardiovascular risk profile), adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.80 (0.67 – 0.95) for bupropion, 1.24 (0.93 – 1.65) for doxepin, 0.79 (0.55 – 1.15) for lithium, and 1.26 (1.11 – 1.42) for mirtazapine. HRs for amitriptyline, citalopram, fluoxetine, nefazodone, nortriptyline, sertraline, trazodone, and venlafaxine were near unity. For antidepressants having non-null risks (bupropion and mirtazapine), we observed no relationship with antidepressant dose and some relationships with concomitant cytochrome P-450 inhibition. Conclusions—Of antidepressants studied, only mirtazapine had a statistically significantly greater SD/VA risk versus paroxetine. However, baseline differences between these users suggest that this finding may be attributable to residual confounding. Eleven other antidepressants had SD/ VA risks no greater than that of paroxetine, thereby providing reassurance regarding the comparative cardiovascular safety of antidepressants.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Can food be addictive? Public health and policy implications
Authors:
Gearhardt, Ashley N.; Grilo, Carlos M.; DiLeone, Ralph J.; Brownell, Kelly D.; Potenza, Marc N.
Abstract:
AIMS: Data suggest that hyperpalatable foods may be capable of triggering an addictive process. Although the addictive potential of foods continues to be debated, important lessons learned in reducing the health and economic consequences of drug addiction may be especially useful in combating food-related problems. METHODS: In the current paper, we review the potential application of policy and public health approaches that have been effective in reducing the impact of addictive substances to food-related problems. RESULTS: Corporate responsibility, public health approaches, environmental change and global efforts all warrant strong consideration in reducing obesity and diet-related disease. CONCLUSIONS: Although there exist important differences between foods and addictive drugs, ignoring analogous neural and behavioral effects of foods and drugs of abuse may result in increased food-related disease and associated social and economic burdens. Public health interventions that have been effective in reducing the impact of addictive drugs may have a role in targeting obesity and related diseases.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Carotenoid, colour and reflectance measurements in bovine adipose tissue to discriminate between beef from different feeding systems
Authors:
Rohrle, F. T.; Moloney, A. P.; Osorio, M. T.; Luciano, G.; Priolo, A.; Caplan, P.; Monahan, F. J.
Abstract:
Our hypothesis was that carotenoids in bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) together with colour and reflectance spectra could be used to differentiate between beef production systems based on grass, concentrates or combinations thereof. SAT was sampled from the carcasses of heifers fed pasture (P), a barley-based concentrate (C), silage followed by pasture (SiP) or silage followed by pasture with concentrate (SiPC). beta-carotene in the SAT from the C group (0.09 mug g(-1)) was lower (P<0.05) than that from the P (0.54 mug g(-1)), SiP (0.49 mug g(-1)) and SiPC (0.49 mug g(-1)) groups. Lutein in the SAT differed (P
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Design, development and application of a bioelectrochemical detection system for meat tenderness prediction
Authors:
Zor, Kinga; Castellarnau, Marc; Pascual, David; Pich, Sara; Plasencia, Carmen; Bardsley, Ronald; Nistor, Mihaela
Abstract:
The analytical method described, based on antibody-antigen bio-recognition and the measuring system for amperometric detection, was designed for accurate, easy to use and cost effective quantification of calpastatin, a meat tenderness biomarker. The novel assay for calpastatin quantification was integrated in a portable electrochemical device known as the Tendercheck system and was used to analyze meat samples collected from animals of different breeds and ages. The data obtained were correlated (R2 = 0.62) with Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) measurements, a routinely used method for meat tenderness determination. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Differential effects of saturated versus unsaturated dietary fatty acids on weight gain and myocellular lipid profiles in mice
Authors:
Timmers, S; de Vogel-van den Bosch, J; de Wit, N; Schaart, G; van Beurden, D; Hesselink, M; van der Meer, R; Schrauwen, P
Abstract:
Objective: In conditions of continuous high-fat (HF) intake, the degree of saturation of the fatty acids (FAs) in the diet might have a crucial role in the onset of obesity and its metabolic complications. In particular, the FA composition of the diet might influence the storage form of lipids inside skeletal muscle. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the FA composition of HF diets differentially affects weight gain and accumulation of myocellular triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Furthermore, we examined whether the FA composition of the diet was reflected in the composition of the myocellular lipid intermediates. Design: C57Bl6 mice were fed HF diets (45% energy) mainly containing palm oil (PO), cocoa butter (CB), olive oil (OO) or safflower oil (SO; n=6 per group) for 8 weeks. A low-fat diet (10% energy, PO) was used as control. Body weight was monitored weekly. At the end of the dietary intervention, myocellular TAG and DAG content and profiles were measured. Results: We here show that HF_CB prevented weight gain after 8 weeks of HF feeding. Furthermore, the HF diet rich in SO prevented the accumulation of both myocellular TAG and DAG. Interestingly, the FA composition of DAG and TAG in skeletal muscle was a reflection of the dietary FA composition. Conclusion: Already after a relatively short period, the dietary FA intake relates to the FA composition of the lipid metabolites in the muscle. A diet rich in polyunsaturated FAs seems to prevent myocellular lipid accumulation.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Hair analysis as a biomonitor for toxicology, disease and health status
Authors:
Kempson, Ivan M.; Lombi, Enzo
Abstract:
Hair analysis receives a large amount of academic and commercial interest for wide-ranging applications. However, in many instances, especially for elemental or 'mineral' analysis, the degree of success of analytical interpretation has been quite minimal with respect to the extent of such endeavors. In this critical review we address the questions surrounding hair analysis with specific intent of discovering what hair concentrations can actually relate to in a biogenic sense. This is done from a chemistry perspective to explain why and how elements are incorporated into hair and their meaning. This includes an overview of variables attributed to altering hair concentrations, such as age, gender, melanin content, and other less reported factors. Hair elemental concentrations are reviewed with regard to morbidity, with specific examples of disease related effects summarized. The application of hair analysis for epidemiology and etiology studies is enforced. A section is dedicated specifically to the area of population studies with regards to mercury, which highlights how endogenous and exogenous incorporation relies on species dependant metabolism and metabolic products. Many of the considerations are relevant to other areas of interest in hair analysis, such as for drug and isotopic analysis. Inclusion of a table of elemental concentrations in hair should act as a valuable reference (298 references).
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Meta-analysis of prospective studies of red meat consumption and colorectal cancer
Authors:
Alexander, Dominik D.; Weed, Douglas L.; Cushing, Colleen A.; Lowe, Kimberly A.
Abstract:
The relationship between red meat consumption and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been the subject of scientific debate. To estimate the summary association between red meat intake and CRC and to examine sources of heterogeneity, a meta-analysis of prospective studies was conducted. Thirty-four prospective studies of red meat and CRC were identified, of which 25 represented independent nonoverlapping study populations. Summary relative risk estimates (SRREs) for high versus low intake and dose–response relationships were calculated. In the high versus low intake meta-analysis, the SRRE was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04–1.21) with significant heterogeneity (P=0.014). Summary associations were modified by tumor site and sex. The SRREs for colon cancer and rectal cancer were 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03–1.19) and 1.19 (95% CI: 0.97–1.46), respectively. The SRREs among men and women were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.04–1.42) and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.87–1.17), respectively. The available epidemiologic data are not sufficient to support an independent and unequivocal positive association between red meat intake and CRC. This conclusion is based on summary associations that are weak in magnitude, heterogeneity across studies, inconsistent patterns of associations across the subgroup analyses, and the likely influence of confounding by other dietary and lifestyle factors.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Risks and benefits of dietary isoflavones for cancer
Authors:
Andres, Susanne; Abraham, Klaus; Appel, Klaus Erich; Lampen, Alfonso
Abstract:
A high intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of cancer. In this context, considerable attention is paid to Asian populations who consume high amounts of soy and soy-derived isoflavones, and have a lower risk for several cancer types such as breast and prostate cancers than populations in Western countries. Hence, interest focuses on soyfoods, soy products, and soy ingredients such as isoflavones with regard to their possible beneficial effects that were observed in numerous experiments and studies. The outcomes of the studies are not always conclusive, are often contradictory depending on the experimental conditions, and are, therefore, difficult to interpret. Isoflavone research revealed not only beneficial but also adverse effects, for instance, on the reproductive system. This is also the case with tumor-promoting effects on, for example, breast tissue. Isoflavone extracts and supplements are often used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of age-associated conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In relation to this, questions about the effectiveness and safety of isoflavones have to be clarified. Moreover, there are concerns about the maternal consumption of isoflavones due to the development of leukemia in infants. In contrast, men may benefit from the intake of isoflavones with regard to reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, this review examines the risks but also the benefits of isoflavones with regard to various kinds of cancer, which can be derived from animal and human studies as well as from in vitro experiments.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
Stimulants and growth in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors:
Negrao, Bianca Lee; Viljoen, Margaretha
Abstract:
Initial suggestions that suppression of growth may be an intrinsic characteristic of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have now largely been disproven. Although controversy persists regarding the possible negative effect of adrenergic stimulants on growth in children with ADHD, the consensus that appears to be reached in the scientific literature is that stimulant usage may cause a manageable attenuation of growth in these children. Since it is known that stimulants increase the amount of dopamine and noradrenaline in the synapse, this writing suggests that these increases in dopamine and noradrenaline are responsible for the growth attenuation in these children. It appears that increased amounts of dopamine and noradrenaline have the ability to inhibit the secretion of growth hormone and growth-related hormones such as prolactin, thyroid hormones, sex hormones and insulin. Therefore, it would be reasonable to suggest that the increases in dopamine and noradrenaline caused by stimulant usage can disrupt the homeostasis of both growth hormone and growth-related hormones, generating the potential for the suppression of growth.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
The Q cycle of cytochrome bc complexes: A structure perspective
Authors:
Cramer, William A.; Hasan, S. Saif; Yamashita, Eiki
Abstract:
Aspects of the crystal structures of the hetero-oligomeric cytochrome bc1 and b6 f (“bc”) complexes relevant to their electron/proton transfer function and the associated redox reactions of the lipophilic quinones are discussed. Differences between the b6 f and bc1 complexes are emphasized. The cytochrome bc1 and b6 f dimeric complexes diverge in structure from a core of subunits that coordinate redox groups consisting of two bis-histidine coordinated hemes, a heme bn and bp on the electrochemically negative (n) and positive (p) sides of the complex, the high potential [2Fe–2S] cluster and c-type heme at the p-side aqueous interface and aqueous phase, respectively, and quinone/quinol binding sites on the n- and p-sides of the complex. The bc1 and b6 f complexes diverge in subunit composition and structure away from this core. b6 f Also contains additional prosthetic groups including a c-type heme cn on the n-side, and a chlorophyll a and β-carotene. Common structure aspects; functions of the symmetric dimer. (I) Quinone exchange with the bilayer. An inter-monomer protein-free cavity of approximately 30 Å along the membrane normal×25 Å (central inter-monomer distance)×15 Å (depth in the center), is common to both bc1 and b6 f complexes, providing a niche in which the lipophilic quinone/quinol (Q/QH2) can be exchanged with the membrane bilayer. (II) Electron transfer. The dimeric structure and the proximity of the two hemes bp on the electrochemically positive side of the complex in the two monomer units allow the possibility of two alternate routes of electron transfer across the complex from heme bp to bn: intra-monomer and inter-monomer involving electron cross-over between the two hemes bp. A structure-based summary of inter-heme distances in seven bc complexes, representing mitochondrial, chromatophore, cyanobacterial, and algal sources, indicates that, based on the distance parameter, the intra-monomer pathway would be favored kinetically. (III) Separation of quinone binding sites. A consequence of the dimer structure and the position of the Q/QH2 binding sites is that the p-side QH2 oxidation and n-side Q reduction sites are each well separated. Therefore, in the event of an overlap in residence time by QH2 or Q molecules at the two oxidation or reduction sites, their spatial separation would result in minimal steric interference between extended Q or QH2 isoprenoid chains. (IV) Trans-membrane QH2/Q transfer. (i) n/p-side QH2/Q transfer may be hindered by lipid acyl chains; (ii) the shorter less hindered inter-monomer pathway across the complex would not pass through the center of the cavity, as inferred from the n-side antimycin site on one monomer and the p-side stigmatellin site on the other residing on the same surface of the complex. (V) Narrow p-side portal for QH2/Q passage. The [2Fe–2S] cluster that serves as oxidant, and whose histidine ligand serves as a H+ acceptor in the oxidation of QH2, is connected to the inter-monomer cavity by a narrow extended portal, which is also occupied in the b6 f complex by the 20 carbon phytyl chain of the bound chlorophyll.
Published:
2011-07
Title:
A Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet improves variables of metabolic syndrome in women, and addition of a phytochemical-rich medical food enhances benefits on lipoprotein metabolism
Authors:
Jones, Jennifer L.; Fernandez, Maria Luz; McIntosh, Mark S.; Najm, Wadie; Calle, Mariana C.; Kalynych, Colleen; Vukich, Clare; Barona, Jacqueline; Ackermann, Daniela; Kim, Jung Eun; Kumar, Vivek; Lott, Michelle; Volek, Jeff S.; Lerman, Robert H.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has highlighted the need for effective dietary interventions to combat this growing problem. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a Mediterranean-style low-glycemic-load diet (control arm, n = 44) or the same diet plus a medical food containing phytosterols, soy protein, and extracts from hops and acacia (intervention arm, n = 45) on cardiometabolic risk variables in women with MetS. METHODS: In this 12-week, 2-arm randomized trial, baseline, week 8 and 12, fasting blood samples were drawn to measure plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and homocysteine. Dietary records were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were decreases in fat and sugar intake (P < .001 for both) and increases in docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid intake (P < .001 for both) over time, consistent with the prescribed diet. Regarding MetS variables, there were decreases in waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and plasma triglycerides in all subjects (P < .001 for all) with no differences between arms. Plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B, and apo B/apo A1 were reduced over time but to a greater extent in the intervention arm (P < .05 for all), indicating the medical food had a greater effect in altering lipoprotein metabolism. Further, medical food intake was associated with reduced plasma homocysteine (P
Published:
2011-06
Title:
A research model for investigating the effects of artificial food colorings on children with ADHD
Authors:
Kleinman, Ronald E.; Brown, Ronald T.; Cutter, Gary R.; Dupaul, George J.; Clydesdale, Fergus M.
Abstract:
The United Kingdom and European Union recently restricted the use of artificial food colorings (AFCs) to improve the health of children. These decisions provide an interesting case study of the role of scientific evidence in the assessment of food additives and risk to children's health and formulation of food policy. Although there continues to be uncertainty concerning the link between AFCs and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), policy decisions have been made that have far-reaching implications. In addition, publicity surrounding the policy changes may shape public perceptions concerning effective management of ADHD. We believe that the balance of existing evidence neither refutes nor supports the link between AFCs and ADHD, which highlights the need for carefully designed studies to further investigate the link between AFCs and ADHD. In this article we describe a model for such studies. In developing our model, we drew from current investigative standards in ADHD research, such as those used in the landmark Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With ADHD. These standards encompass methodologic considerations including sample selection, outcome assessment, and data analyses. It is our hope that this model research methodology may prove valuable in addressing design considerations in future studies of AFCs and ADHD with the goal of producing reliable data that will enable policy-makers to better formulate effective, evidence-based food-policy decisions.
Published:
2011-06
Title:
A vegetarian dietary pattern as a nutrient-dense approach to weight management: an analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey 1999-2004
Authors:
Farmer, Bonnie; Larson, Brian T.; Fulgoni, Victor L.; Rainville, Alice J.; Liepa, George U.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Population-based studies have shown that vegetarians have lower body mass index than nonvegetarians, suggesting that vegetarian diet plans may be an approach for weight management. However, a perception exists that vegetarian diets are deficient in certain nutrients. OBJECTIVE: To compare dietary quality of vegetarians, nonvegetarians, and dieters, and to test the hypothesis that a vegetarian diet would not compromise nutrient intake when used to manage body weight. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) dietary and anthropometric data. Diet quality was determined using United States Department of Agriculture's Healthy Eating Index 2005. Participants included adults aged 19 years and older, excluding pregnant and lactating women (N = 13,292). Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets were portrayed by intakes of participants who did not eat meat, poultry, or fish on the day of the survey (n = 851). Weight-loss diets were portrayed by intakes of participants who consumed 500 kcal less than their estimated energy requirements (n = 4,635). Mean nutrient intakes and body mass indexes were adjusted for energy, sex, and ethnicity. Using analysis of variance, all vegetarians were compared to all nonvegetarians, dieting vegetarians to dieting nonvegetarians, and nondieting vegetarians to nondieting nonvegetarians. RESULTS: Mean intakes of fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, and iron were higher for all vegetarians than for all nonvegetarians. Although vegetarian intakes of vitamin E, vitamin A, and magnesium exceeded that of nonvegetarians (8.3 ± 0.3 vs 7.0 ± 0.1 mg; 718 ± 28 vs 603 ± 10 μg; 322 ± 5 vs 281 ± 2 mg), both groups had intakes that were less than desired. The Healthy Eating Index score did not differ for all vegetarians compared to all nonvegetarians (50.5 ± 0.88 vs 50.1 ± 0.33, P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that vegetarian diets are nutrient dense, consistent with dietary guidelines, and could be recommended for weight management without compromising diet quality.
Published:
2011-06
Title:
Alterations in lipid, carbohydrate and iron metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic syndrome
Authors:
Zimmermann, Anca; Zimmermann, Tim; Schattenberg, Jörn; Pöttgen, Sebastian; Lotz, Johannes; Rossmann, Heidi; Roeddiger, Ralf; Biesterfeld, Stefan; Geiss, Hans-Christian; Schuchmann, Marcus; Galle, Peter R.; Weber, Matthias M.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MS). We aimed to analyze lipid, carbohydrate, and iron metabolism in NASH. PATIENTS, METHODS: 37 patients with MS (17 M/20 F, 51+/-15 years), elevated transaminases; 25 patients had histologically proven NASH (NAS score≥5), 12 patients had toxic background (nonNASH). 37 age, sex, BMI-matched healthy controls. Lipid variables, LDL-subfractions, iron, ferritin, transferrin (T), transferrin saturation (TS), and hepcidin (H) were measured in patients/controls. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. RESULTS: NASH patients with steatosis gr. 2 and 3 (>33% hepatic fat) had higher sd-LDL (mg/dl) concentrations than patients with steatosis gr. 1 (33% (p=0.04). NASH-patients showed higher insulin, C-peptide and IRI values than nonNASH patients (p=0.034; 0.032; 0.04). H was increased in patients versus controls (p<0.001). H correlated with ferritin in MS-patients (p=0.01), correlated directly with sd-LDL (mg/dl) (p=0.017) and IRI (p
Published:
2011-06
Title:
Choosing between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation: A tumor's dilemma?
Authors:
Jose, Caroline; Bellance, Nadège; Rossignol, Rodrigue
Abstract:
A considerable amount of knowledge has been produced during the last five years on the bioenergetics of cancer cells, leading to a better understanding of the regulation of energy metabolism during oncogenesis, or in adverse conditions of energy substrate intermittent deprivation. The general enhancement of the glycolytic machinery in various cancer cell lines is well described and recent analyses give a better view of the changes in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation during oncogenesis. While some studies demonstrate a reduction of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity in different types of cancer cells, other investigations revealed contradictory modifications with the upregulation of OXPHOS components and a larger dependency of cancer cells on oxidative energy substrates for anabolism and energy production. This apparent conflictual picture is explained by differences in tumor size, hypoxia, and the sequence of oncogenes activated. The role of p53, C-MYC, Oct and RAS on the control of mitochondrial respiration and glutamine utilization has been explained recently on artificial models of tumorigenesis. Likewise, the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from oncogene activation also showed the role of C-MYC and Oct in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and ROS generation. In this review article we put emphasis on the description of various bioenergetic types of tumors, from exclusively glycolytic to mainly OXPHOS, and the modulation of both the metabolic apparatus and the modalities of energy substrate utilization according to tumor stage, serial oncogene activation and associated or not fluctuating microenvironmental substrate conditions. We conclude on the importance of a dynamic view of tumor bioenergetics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bioenergetics of Cancer.
Published:
2011-06
Title:
Crossover study of diets enriched with virgin olive oil, walnuts or almonds. Effects on lipids and other cardiovascular risk markers
Authors:
Damasceno, N. R. T.; Perez-Heras, A.; Serra, M.; Cofan, M.; Sala-Vila, A.; Salas-Salvado, J.; Ros, E.
Abstract:
CONCLUSION: The results confirm the cholesterol lowering properties of nut-enriched diets. They also suggest that phenolic-rich VOO has a cholesterol lowering effect independently of its fatty acid content, which clearly deserves further study. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Published:
2011-06
Title:
Curcumin Induces Apoptosis in EJ Bladder Cancer Cells via Modulating C-Myc and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors:
Wang, Jingyu; Wang, Zhiping; Wang, Hanzhang; Zhao, Junli; Zhang, Zhewen
Abstract:
Background: Cancer chemopreventive agent curcumin has been shown to possess cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction properties in several types of cancer. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of the compound remain far from clear in EJ bladder cancer cells. Methods: The effect of curcumin on EJ cell growth and apoptosis was detected by MTT assays and flow cytometry. The phosphorylation levels of PTEN, PDK1, Akt, GSK-3β, c-Raf, and Bad and the expression levels of c-myc, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3, and PARP following curcumin administration were examined by immunoblots. Results: Curcumin suppressed the growth of EJ cells in a time and concentration dependent manner. Immunoblot showed that curcumin increased expression levels of c-myc and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in a time-dependent manner in EJ cells. Activation of PTEN, GSK-3β, c-Raf, caspase-9, caspase-7, and caspase-3, cleavage of PARP, upregulation of Bad and Bax, and downregulation of Akt and Bcl-2 were also found in curcumin-treated EJ cells. Conclusions: These findings establish a mechanistic linkup or interaction between c-myc, Bax, Bad, Bcl-2, caspase cascades, PI3K/Akt pathway and curcumin- induced apoptosis of EJ cells, suggesting that c-myc and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway play important roles in curcumin-induced apoptosis of EJ bladder cancer cells.
Published:
2011-06
Title:
Dairy calcium intake modifies responsiveness of fat metabolism and blood lipids to a high-fat diet
Authors:
Lorenzen, Janne K.; Astrup, Arne
Abstract:
Intervention studies have demonstrated that saturated fat increases total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and it is therefore recommended that the intake of high-fat dairy products be limited. However, observational studies have found an inverse relationship between the intake of dairy products and incidence of CVD. We aimed to study whether the Ca content of dairy products influences the effect of dairy fat on the lipid profile. The study had a randomised cross-over design. Subjects (n 9) were randomised to one of the sequence of four isoenergetic 10 d diets: low Ca and low fat (LC/LF: approximately 700 mg Ca/d, 25 % of energy (fat); high Ca and LF (HC/LF: approximately 2800 mg Ca/d, 25 % of energy fat); LC and high fat (LC/HF: approximately 700 mg Ca/d, 49 E% fat); or HC and HF (approximately 2800 mg Ca/d, 49 E% fat). Blood variables were measured before and after each diet period, and faeces and urine were collected at the end of each diet period. A two-way ANOVA was used to examine the effect of Ca and fat intake. Independent of Ca intake, the HF diet increased the concentrations of total (9 %; P < 0.0001), LDL (14 %; P < 0.0001)- and HDL (13 %; P = 0.0002)-cholesterol compared with the LF diet. However, independent of fat intake, the HC diet decreased the concentrations of total (4 %; P = 0.0051) and LDL-cholesterol (10 %; P < 0.0001) but not HDL-cholesterol compared with the LC diet. In addition, total:HDL-cholesterol was decreased (5 %; P = 0.0299), and HDL:LDL was increased (12 %; P = 0.0097) by the HC diet compared with the LC diet. Faecal fat excretion was increased by both the HC (P
Published:
2011-06
bottom of page