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Title:
Identification of biochemical changes in lactovegetarian urine using 1H NMR spectroscopy and pattern recognition
Authors:
Xu, Jingjing; Yang, Shuyu; Cai, Shuhui; Dong, Jiyang; Li, Xuejun; Chen, Zhong
Abstract:
A vegetarian diet has been demonstrated to have a profound influence on human metabolism as well as to aid the prevention of several chronic diseases relative to an omnivorous diet. However, there have been no systematic metabolomic studies on all of the biochemical changes induced in human subjects by long-term vegetarianism. In this study, (1)H NMR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate statistical analysis was applied to explore the variability in the metabolic urinary profiles of healthy populations from four groups: lactovegetarian male (VEGMALE), lactovegetarian female (VEGFEMALE), omnivorous male (OMNMALE), and omnivorous female (OMNFEMALE). Differences in metabolic profiles were examined in relation to diet and gender by principal component analysis (PCA) and spectral integrals. It was found that the most influential low molecular weight metabolites responsible for the differences between the diet groups were N-acetyl glycoprotein (NAG), succinate, citrate, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), taurine, glycine, hippurate, phenylalanine, methylhistidine and formate, whereas for the differences in gender groups the most discriminatory metabolites were NAG, succinate, creatinine, arginine, TMAO, taurine, hippurate, mannitol, phenylalanine, and methylhistidine. The results from the PCA of all four groups indicated that diet plays a greater role in influencing metabolite differences than gender. As an exploration, this work shows the potential of metabolomics when applied to nutritional and physiological studies, and it will aid further studies.
Published:
2010-02
Title:
Increased consumption of fatty and lean fish reduces serum C-reactive protein concentrations but not inflammation markers in feces and in colonic biopsies
Authors:
Pot, Gerda K.; Geelen, Anouk; Majsak-Newman, Gosia; Harvey, Linda J.; Nagengast, Fokko M.; Witteman, Ben J. M.; van de Meeberg, Paul C.; Hart, Andrew R.; Schaafsma, Gertjan; Lund, Elizabeth K.; Rijkers, Ger T.; Kampman, Ellen
Abstract:
Fish consumption is associated with a reduced colorectal cancer risk. A possible mechanism by which fish consumption could decrease colorectal cancer risk is by reducing inflammation. However, thus far, intervention studies investigating both systemic and local gut inflammation markers are lacking. Our objective in this study was to investigate the effects of fatty and lean fish consumption on inflammation markers in serum, feces, and gut. In an intervention study, participants were randomly allocated to receive dietary advice (DA) plus either 300 g of fatty fish (salmon) or 300 g of lean fish (cod) per week for 6 mo, or only DA. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured pre- and postintervention (n = 161). In a subgroup (n = 52), we explored the effects of the fish intervention on fecal calprotectin and a wide range of cytokines and chemokines in fecal water and in colonic biopsies. Serum CRP concentrations were lower in the salmon (-0.5 mg/L; 95% CI -0.9, -0.2) and cod (-0.4 mg/L; 95% CI -0.7, 0.0) groups compared with the DA group. None of the inflammation markers in fecal water and colonic biopsies differed between the DA group and the groups that consumed extra fish. In conclusion, increasing salmon or cod consumption for 6 mo resulted in lower concentrations of the systemic inflammation marker CRP. However, exploratory analysis of local markers of inflammation in the colon or feces did not reveal an effect of fish consumption.
Published:
2010-02
Title:
Knowledge discovery in metabolomics: an overview of MS data handling
Authors:
Boccard, Julien; Veuthey, Jean-Luc; Rudaz, Serge
Abstract:
While metabolomics attempts to comprehensively analyse the small molecules characterising a biological system, MS has been promoted as the gold standard to study the wide chemical diversity and range of concentrations of the metabolome. On the other hand, extracting the relevant information from the overwhelming amount of data generated by modern analytical platforms has become an important issue for knowledge discovery in this research field. The appropriate treatment of such data is therefore of crucial importance in order, for the data, to provide valuable information. The aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of the methodologies developed to handle and process MS metabolomic data, compare the samples and highlight the relevant metabolites, starting from the raw data to the biomarker discovery. As data handling can be further separated into data processing, data pre-treatment and data analysis, recent advances in each of these steps are detailed separately.
Published:
2010-02
Title:
Metabolic characteristics of breakfast-vegetarian (BV) elderly people in rural Taiwan
Authors:
Juang, Shiow-Jen; Peng, Li-Ning; Lin, Ming-Hsien; Lai, Hsiu-Yun; Hwang, Shinn-Jang; Chen, Liang-Kung; Chiou, Shu-Ti
Abstract:
Breakfast-vegetarianism (BV) is a special dietary habit in Chinese society, which is related to religious beliefs rather than health concerns. The purpose of this study was to compare metabolic characteristics of community-living middle-aged and elderly BV and non-vegetarians (NVs) in Taiwan. In 2000, people aged over 40 in I-Lan County were invited for study. In total, 367 people (mean age: 62.0+/-11.2 years, 57.8% female) participated in this study and 68 of them were BV. The BV subjects were less likely to consume oily food (29.4% vs. 43.1%, p=0.025), to smoke (5.9% vs. 23.1%, p<0.001) and to habitually consume alcohol (2.9% vs. 19.1%, p<0.001). Compared with NVs, the BVs were more prone to be females (86.8% vs. 44.7%, p<0.001), having lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (64.5+/-13.7 vs. 69.9+/-14.6ml/(kgmin), p=0.006), higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (69.1% vs. 45.8%, p<0.001) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (44.1% vs. 22.7%, p
Published:
2010-02
Title:
Sex-specific and lineage-specific alternative splicing in primates
Authors:
Blekhman, Ran; Marioni, John C.; Zumbo, Paul; Stephens, Matthew; Gilad, Yoav
Abstract:
Comparative studies of gene regulation suggest an important role for natural selection in shaping gene expression patterns within and between species. Most of these studies, however, estimated gene expression levels using microarray probes designed to hybridize to only a small proportion of each gene. Here, we used recently developed RNA sequencing protocols, which sidestep this limitation, to assess intra- and interspecies variation in gene regulatory processes in considerably more detail than was previously possible. Specifically, we used RNA-seq to study transcript levels in humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques, using liver RNA samples from three males and three females from each species. Our approach allowed us to identify a large number of genes whose expression levels likely evolve under natural selection in primates. These include a subset of genes with conserved sexually dimorphic expression patterns across the three species, which we found to be enriched for genes involved in lipid metabolism. Our data also suggest that while alternative splicing is tightly regulated within and between species, sex-specific and lineage-specific changes in the expression of different splice forms are also frequent. Intriguingly, among genes in which a change in exon usage occurred exclusively in the human lineage, we found an enrichment of genes involved in anatomical structure and morphogenesis, raising the possibility that differences in the regulation of alternative splicing have been an important force in human evolution.
Published:
2010-02
Title:
Sweet future: fluctuating blood glucose levels affect future discounting
Authors:
Wang, X. T.; Dvorak, Robert D.
Abstract:
This study explored metabolic mechanisms of future (delay) discounting, a choice phenomenon where people value present goods over future goods. Using fluctuating blood glucose as an index of body-energy budget, optimal discounting should regulate choice among rewards as a function of temporal caloric requirement. We identified this novel link between blood glucose levels measured in the lab and future-discounting rates of participants, who made choices between a "smaller and sooner" reward and a "larger but later" option, with possible actual monetary rewards. A group of participants who drank a soft drink that contained sugar showed a reduced rate of future discounting afterward, when we controlled for sex, age, body mass index, and the taste of the drink. In contrast, a group of participants who drank a soft drink that contained artificial sweetener showed an increased rate of future discounting. Blood glucose levels not only varied as a result of caloric intake but also regulated the rate of future discounting, according to participants' dynamic body-energy budget.
Published:
2010-02
Title:
Transcriptome analysis in benefit-risk assessment of micronutrients and bioactive food components
Authors:
Keijer, Jaap; van Helden, Yvonne G. J.; Bunschoten, Annelies; van Schothorst, Evert M.
Abstract:
The establishment of functional effects due to variation in concentrations of micronutrients in our diet is difficult since they are often not immediately recognized as being healthy or unhealthy. Indeed, effects induced by micronutrients are hard to identify and therefore the establishment of the recommended daily intake, the optimal intake and the upper limit pose a challenge. For bioactive food components this is even more complicated. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis is highly suitable to obtain unbiased information on potential affected biological processes on a whole-genome level. Here, we will describe and discuss several aspects of transcriptome analysis in benefit-risk assessment, including effect size, sensitivity and statistical power, that have to be taken into account to faithfully identify functional effects of micronutrients and bioactive food components.
Published:
2010-02
Title:
An integrative view of obesity
Authors:
Heber, David
Abstract:
Obesity is the result of the accumulation of excess body fat and not simply excess weight that can be muscle or fat. Adipocytes function in the adaptation to starvation, in exercise energetics, and in the immune defense against pathogens. Sustained positive energy balance results in excessive accumulation of adipocytes, which, in the abdomen, leads to chronic inflammation. Although informative studies have been performed with cultured adipocytes, an integrative approach to the regulation of abdominal adipose tissue involves feedback from autocrine and paracrine effectors secreted by adipocytes, the immune system, and blood flow through adipose tissue. Numerous adipokines, chemokines, and cytokines feed back to other bodily systems to regulate both energy balance and immune function. Studies of the interactions of the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, as well as psychophysiological considerations of reward circuitry in the central nervous system, have shown a general adaptation to starvation that is opposed to those strategies being proposed for the prevention and treatment of obesity, ie, food restriction and increased physical activity. The obesogenic environment of highly palatable foods with hidden fats and sugars can promote metabolic syndrome and obesity, whereas fruit and vegetables with antiinflammatory phytochemicals can counteract metabolic syndrome. Therefore, a plant-based diet and the seamless integration of increased physical activity and social support to alter modern diets and lifestyles hold out the greatest hope for the solution of the obesity epidemic. Both public health and medical nutrition approaches can benefit from this integrative view of obesity.
Published:
2010-01
Title:
Cardiovascular disease risk of dietary stearic acid compared with trans, other saturated, and unsaturated fatty acids: a systematic review. [Review] [119 refs]
Authors:
Hunter, J. Edward; Zhang, Jun; Kris-Etherton, Penny M.
Abstract:
CONCLUSIONS: TFA intake should be reduced as much as possible because of its adverse effects on lipids and lipoproteins. The replacement of TFA with STA compared with other saturated fatty acids in foods that require solid fats beneficially affects LDL cholesterol, the primary target for CVD risk reduction; unsaturated fats are preferred for liquid fat applications. Research is needed to evaluate the effects of STA on emerging CVD risk markers such as fibrinogen and to understand the responses in different populations. [References: 119]
Published:
2010-01
Title:
Changes in the lipid profile of blood serumin women taking sauna baths of various duration
Authors:
Pilch, Wanda; Szygu\la, Zbigniew; Klimek, Andrzej; Pa\lka, Tomasz; Cisoń, Tomasz; Pilch, Pawe\l; Torii, Masafumi
Abstract:
Objectives: There is little information on lipid metabolism after sauna treatment in the literature. The present research is aimed to determine the influence of sauna baths on fat metabolism in young women. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy, eumenhorreic, female volunteers (19-21 yr old) were exposed to Finnish sauna bath seven times every second day. In group I (n = 10) each time the sauna treatment lasted 30 min, whereas in group II (n = 10) 40 min with 5-minute break to cool down. Body mass, heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and after sauna bath. Rectal temperature was monitored during stay in sauna room. Prior to the sauna bath and during its last two minutes the minute oxygen uptake and the level of CO2 exhalation were analyzed in the exhaled air, and the respiratory quotient RQ was calculated. In the blood samples collected before the sauna bath and immediately afterwards hematocrit, hemoglobin, and lipid profile-total lipids, free fatty acids, total free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipids (HDL), low density lipids (LDL) were analyzed. Results: Rectal temperature was lower in the last sauna bath than in the first one. Losses of plasma were greater during the seventh bath than during the first one. Acceleration of the metabolism of lipids occurs after every sauna bath. A reduced level of TC and LDLC and a raised level of HDL was observed after repeated sauna baths. Conclusion: After 2 weeks of repeated sauna session some changes in total cholesterol and concentration of LDLC were observed, while concentration of HDLC increased after 7th sauna bath in group I. Those kinds of changes may be good prognoses of ischemic heart disease prevention, but further research on the influence of sauna on fat metabolism is needed.
Published:
2010-01
Title:
Energetics, epigenetics, mitochondrial genetics
Authors:
Wallace, Douglas C.; Fan, Weiwei
Abstract:
The epigenome has been hypothesized to provide the interface between the environment and the nuclear DNA (nDNA) genes. Key factors in the environment are the availability of calories and demands on the organism's energetic capacity. Energy is funneled through glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the cellular bioenergetic systems. Since there are thousands of bioenergetic genes dispersed across the chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), both cis and trans regulation of the nDNA genes is required. The bioenergetic systems convert environmental calories into ATP, acetyl-Coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), s-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), and reduced NAD+. When calories are abundant, ATP and acetyl-CoA phosphorylate and acetylate chromatin, opening the nDNA for transcription and replication. When calories are limiting, chromatin phosphorylation and acetylation are lost and gene expression is suppressed. DNA methylation via SAM can also be modulated by mitochondrial function. Phosphorylation and acetylation are also pivotal to regulating cellular signal transduction pathways. Therefore, bioenergetics provides the interface between the environment and the epigenome. Consistent with this conclusion, the clinical phenotypes of bioenergetic diseases are strikingly similar to those observed in epigenetic diseases (Angelman, Rett, Fragile X Syndromes, the laminopathies, cancer, etc.), and an increasing number of epigenetic diseases are being associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. This bioenergetic-epigenomic hypothesis has broad implications for the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of a wide range of common diseases. © 2009 Mitochondria Research Society.
Published:
2010-01
Title:
Genotoxicity studies of organically grown broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and its interactions with urethane, methyl methanesulfonate and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide genotoxicity in the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors:
Heres-Pulido, María Eugenia; Dueñas-García, Irma; Castañeda-Partida, Laura; Santos-Cruz, Luis Felipe; Vega-Contreras, Viridiana; Rebollar-Vega, Rosa; Gómez-Luna, Juan Carlos; Durán-Díaz, Angel
Abstract:
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) has been defined as a cancer preventive food. Nevertheless, broccoli contains potentially genotoxic compounds as well. We performed the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster in treatments with organically grown broccoli (OGB) and co-treatments with the promutagen urethane (URE), the direct alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) in the standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses with inducible and high levels of cytochrome P450s (CYPs), respectively. Larvae of both crosses were chronically fed with OGB or fresh market broccoli (FMB) as a non-organically grown control, added with solvents or mutagens solutions. In both crosses, the OGB added with Tween-ethanol yielded the expected reduction in the genotoxicity spontaneous rate. OGB co-treatments did not affect the URE effect, MMS showed synergy and 4-NQO damage was modulated in both crosses. In contrast, FMB controls produced damage increase; co-treatments modulated URE genotoxicity, diminished MMS damage, and did not change the 4-NQO damage. The high dietary consumption of both types of broccoli and its protective effects in D. melanogaster are discussed.
Published:
2010-01
Title:
Lifestyle interventions for the treatment of class III obesity: a primary target for nutrition medicine in the obesity epidemic1234
Authors:
Blackburn, George L; Wollner, Samuel; Heymsfield, Steven B
Abstract:
Although rates of obesity have increased universally in the United States over the past 30 y, it is clear that certain individuals are more susceptible to weight gain than others. Extreme obesity [body mass index (in kg/m2) > 40] is increasing at rates greater than any other class of obesity in the United States. Severely obese patients often suffer from a wide variety of comorbidities. Although weight-loss surgery is the most effective treatment, it offers little in the way of large-scale containment due to its costly and invasive nature. Lifestyle interventions that induce modest weight loss and improve fitness can significantly lower disease risk. As medical professionals in the field of nutrition, we must focus first on the patient cohort that suffers most from the modern obesogenic environment. Lifestyle interventions specifically targeted toward the class III obese cohort should be a high priority in nutrition medicine.
Published:
2010-01
Title:
Mitochondria, oxidative stress, and temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors:
Waldbaum, Simon; Patel, Manisha
Abstract:
Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction are contributing factors to various neurological disorders. Recently, there has been increasing evidence supporting the association between mitochondrial oxidative stress and epilepsy. Although certain inherited epilepsies are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, little is known about its role in acquired epilepsies such as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction are emerging as key factors that not only result from seizures, but may also contribute to epileptogenesis. The occurrence of epilepsy increases with age, and mitochondrial oxidative stress is a leading mechanism of aging and age-related degenerative disease, suggesting a further involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in seizure generation. Mitochondria have critical cellular functions that influence neuronal excitability including production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), fatty acid oxidation, control of apoptosis and necrosis, regulation of amino acid cycling, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, and regulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) homeostasis. Mitochondria are the primary site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production making them uniquely vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage which can further affect cellular macromolecule function, the ability of the electron transport chain to produce ATP, antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial DNA stability, and synaptic glutamate homeostasis. Oxidative damage to one or more of these cellular targets may affect neuronal excitability and increase seizure susceptibility. The specific targeting of mitochondrial oxidative stress, dysfunction, and bioenergetics with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments may be a novel avenue for attenuating epileptogenesis.
Published:
2010-01
Title:
A comprehensive approach to the profiling of the cooked meat carcinogens 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoxaline, 2-Amino-1-methyl-6- phenylimidazo[4,5- b ]pyridine, and their metabolites in human urine
Authors:
Gu, D.; McNaughton, L.; Lemaster, D.; Lake, B.G.; Gooderham, N.J.; Kadlubar, F.F.; Turesky, R.J.
Abstract:
A targeted liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomics type approach, employing a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer in the product ion scan and selected reaction monitoring modes, was established to profile 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), and their principal metabolites in the urine of omnivores. A mixed-mode reverse phase cation exchange resin enrichment procedure was employed to isolate MeIQx and its oxidized metabolites, 2-amino-8-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline (8-CH2OH-IQx) and 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline-8-carboxylic acid (IQx-8-COOH), which are produced by cytochrome P450 1A2 (P450 1A2). The phase II conjugates N2-(β-1- glucosiduronyl)-2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline and N 2-(3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxalin-2-yl)-sulfamic acid were measured indirectly, following acid hydrolysis to form MeIQx. The enrichment procedure permitted the simultaneous analysis of PhIP, N2-(β-1- glucosidurony1)-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, N3-(β-1-glucosidurony1)-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-(4′-hydroxy)-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (4′-HO-PhIP), and the isomeric N2- and N3-glucuronide conjugates of the carcinogenic metabolite, 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6- phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (HONH-PhIP), which is formed by P450 1A2. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for MeIQx, PhIP, and 4′-HO-PhIP was ∼ 5 pg/mL; the LOQ values for 8-CH2OH-IQx and IQx-8-COOH were, respectively, <15 and <25 pg/mL, and the LOQ values for the glucuronide conjugates of PhIP and HONH-PhIP were 50 pg/mL. The metabolism was extensive; less than 9% of the dose was eliminated in urine as unaltered MeIQx, and <1% was eliminated as unaltered PhIP. Phase II conjugates of the parent amines accounted for up to 12% of the dose of MeIQx and up to 2% of the dose of PhIP. 8-CH2OH-IQx and IQx-8-COOH accounted for up to 76% of the dose of MeIQx, and the isomeric glucuronide conjugates of HONH-PhIP accounted for up to 33% of the dose of PhIP that were eliminated in urine within 10 h of meat consumption. P450 1A2 significantly contributes to the metabolism of both HAAs but with marked differences in substrate specificity. P450 1A2 primarily catalyzes the detoxification of MeIQx by oxidation of the 8-methyl group, whereas it catalyzes the bioactivation of PhIP by oxidation of the exocyclic amine group. © 2010 American Chemical Society.
Published:
2010
Title:
A low carbohydrate Mediterranean diet improves cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes control among overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 1-year prospective randomized intervention study
Authors:
Elhayany, A.; Lustman, A.; Abel, R.; Attal-Singer, J.; Vinker, S.
Abstract:
The appropriate dietary intervention for overweight persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is unclear. Trials comparing the effectiveness of diets are frequently limited by short follow-up times and high dropout rates.
Published:
2010
Title:
A worksite vegan nutrition program is well-accepted and improves health-related quality of life and work productivity
Authors:
Katcher, Heather I.; Ferdowsian, Hope R.; Hoover, Valerie J.; Cohen, Joshua L.; Barnard, Neal D.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vegetarian and vegan diets are effective in preventing and treating several chronic diseases. However, their acceptability outside a clinical trial setting has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability of a worksite vegan nutrition program and its effects on health-related quality of life and work productivity. METHODS: Employees of a major insurance corporation with a body mass index > or =25 kg/m(2) and/or a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes received either weekly group instruction on a low-fat vegan diet (n = 68) or received no diet instruction (n = 45) for 22 weeks. RESULTS: The vegan group reported improvements in general health (p = 0.002), physical functioning (p = 0.001), mental health (p = 0.03), vitality (p = 0.004), and overall diet satisfaction (p
Published:
2010
Title:
Abdominal obesity predicts declining insulin sensitivity in non- obese normoglycaemics: the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS)
Authors:
Merika, E.; Saif, Muhammad W.; Katz, A.; Syrigos, C.; Morse, M.
Abstract:
Aim: Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated a relationship between obesity and insulin sensitivity (SI); however, there is a lack of evidence from longitudinal studies. Methods: The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) estimated SI (?10?4/min?mU/ml) directly using a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test with minimal model analysis in 504 normoglycaemic subjects. Partial correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to compare the relationship of change in SI from baseline to 5 years later (DSI) with baseline waist circumference (waist) as a measure of abdominal obesity and body mass index (BMI) as a measure of overall obesity. Mean DSI was ?1.06 (SD¼1.85). Results: Higher baseline waist (r¼?0.16; p¼0.0005), but not BMI (r¼?0.005; p¼0.91), was associated with (–) DSI in models including sex, ethnicity, clinical centre and baseline SI, BMI, waist, age and physical activity. The waist– DSI relationship differed across the levels of baseline BMI, being significant only in normal weight (r¼?0.21) and overweight subjects (r¼?0.16), but not in obese subjects. DSI was correlated with a 5-year change in either obesity measure (Dwaist: r¼?0.22 and DBMI: r¼?0.20; p¼0.0001). Conclusions: Among non-diabetics, waist circumference was a strong predictor of declining SI among lean subjects, a modest predictor among overweight subjects, but was not predictive among obese individuals. Waist circumference should be considered, in addition to BMI, when identifying individuals at high risk of diabetes or the insulin resistance syndrome. Keywords: epidemiology, insulin sensitivity, obesity, visceral obesity Received 8 April 2004; returned for revision 2 August 2004; revised version accepted 3 August 2004
Published:
2010
Title:
Beliefs and attitudes toward vegetarian lifestyle across generations
Authors:
Pribis, Peter; Pencak, Rose C.; Grajales, Tevni
Abstract:
The objective of the study was to examine whether reasons to adopt vegetarian lifestyle differ significantly among generations. Using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), we identified that 4% of the participants were vegans, 25% lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 4% pesco-vegetarians and 67% non-vegetarian. Younger people significantly agreed more with the moral reason and with the environmental reason. People ages 41-60 significantly agreed more with the health reason. There are significant differences across generations as to why people choose to live a vegetarian lifestyle.
Published:
2010
Title:
Biochemical and anatomical substrates of depression and sickness behavior
Authors:
Hanff, Thomas C.; Furst, Stephanie J.; Minor, Thomas R.
Abstract:
This paper reviews recent research on the contribution of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL- 1) and the purine nucleoside adenosine in mediating behavioral depression and related symptoms of conservation-withdrawal in animal models of both major depression and illness. Activation of brain IL- 1 receptors appears to contribute to conservation withdrawal symptoms in animals treated with reserpine or lipopolysaccharide, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. Moreover, brain cytokine signaling is capable of recruiting adenosine signaling at adenosine A2A receptors, which directly mediate symptoms of behavioral depression. The adenosine receptors densely populate spiny GABAergic neurons in the striopallidal tract in the striatum and form part of an A2A/D2/mGLU receptor complex. Activation of these A2A receptors functionally uncouples dopamines excitatory motivation influence from ongoing behavior, leading to a state of conservation-withdrawal, and antagonism of the ventral medial striatum A2A receptors in reserpinated rats relieves symptoms of behavioral depression.
Published:
2010
Title:
British India and the “Beriberi Problem”, 1798–1942
Authors:
Arnold, David
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Cholesterol and beyond: the research on diet and coronary heart disease 1900-2000
Authors:
Truswell, A. Stewart
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Coercion and Treatment Satisfaction Among Involuntary Patients
Authors:
Katsakou, Christina; Bowers, Len; Amos, Tim; Psych, M R C; Morriss, Richard; Rose, Diana; Wykes, Til; Priebe, Stefan; Psych, F R C
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Comparison of a reduced carbohydrate and reduced fat diet for LDL, HDL, and VLDL subclasses during 9-months of weight maintenance subsequent to weight loss
Authors:
Lecheminant, James D.; Smith, Bryan K.; Westman, Eric C.; Vernon, Mary C.; Donnelly, Joseph E.
Abstract:
Objectives. This study compared LDL, HDL, and VLDL subclasses in overweight or obese adults consuming either a reduced carbohydrate (RC) or reduced fat (RF) weight maintenance diet for 9 months following significant weight loss. METHODS:Thirty-five (21 RC; 14 RF) overweight or obese middle-aged adults completed a 1-year weight management clinic. Participants met weekly for the first six months and bi-weekly thereafter. Meetings included instruction for diet, physical activity, and behavior change related to weight management. Additionally, participants followed a liquid very low-energy diet of ∼2092 kJ per day for the first three months of the study. Subsequently, participants followed a dietary plan for nine months that targeted a reduced percentage of carbohydrate (∼20%) or fat (∼30%) intake and an energy intake level calculated to maintain weight loss. Lipid subclasses using NMR spectroscopy were analyzed prior to weight loss and at multiple intervals during weight maintenance. RESULTS:Body weight change was not significantly different within or between groups during weight maintenance (p\textgreater0.05). The RC group showed significant increases in mean LDL size, large LDL, total HDL, large and small HDL, mean VLDL size, and large VLDL during weight maintenance while the RF group showed increases in total HDL, large and small HDL, total VLDL, and large, medium, and small VLDL (p\textless0.05). Group*time interactions were significant for large and medium VLDL (p\textgreater0.05). CONCLUSION:Some individual lipid subclasses improved in both dietary groups. Large and medium VLDL subclasses increased to a greater extent across weight maintenance in the RF group.
Published:
2010
Title:
Diet-induced ketosis improves cognitive performance in aged rats
Authors:
Xu, Kui; Sun, Xiaoyan; Eroku, Bernadette O.; Tsipis, Constantinos P.; Puchowicz, Michelle A.; LaManna, Joseph C.
Abstract:
Aging is associated with increased susceptibility to hypoxic/ischemic insult and declines in behavioral function which may be due to attenuated adaptive/defense responses. We investigated if diet-induced ketosis would improve behavioral performance in the aged rats. Fischer 344 rats (3- and 22-month-old) were fed standard (STD) or ketogenic (KG) diet for 3 weeks and then exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Cognitive function was measured using the T-maze and object recognition tests. Motor function was measured using the inclined-screen test. Results showed that KG diet significantly increased blood ketone levels in both young and old rats. In the aged rats, the KG diet improved cognitive performance under normoxic and hypoxic conditions; while motor performance remained unchanged. Capillary density and HIF-1alpha levels were elevated in the aged ketotic group independent of hypoxic challenge. These data suggest that diet-induced ketosis may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions.
Published:
2010
Title:
Dietary intervention to reverse carotid atherosclerosis.
Authors:
Shai, Iris; Spence, J. David; Schwarzfuchs, Dan; Henkin, Yaakov; Parraga, Grace; Rudich, Assaf; Fenster, Aaron; Mallett, Christiane; Liel-Cohen, Noah; Tirosh, Amir; Bolotin, Arkady; Thiery, Joachim; Fiedler, Georg Martin; Blüher, Matthias; Stumvoll, Michael; Stampfer, Meir J.
Abstract:
Background— It is currently unknown whether dietary weight loss interventions can induce regression of carotid atherosclerosis.$\backslash$nMethods and Results— In a 2-year Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial–Carotid (DIRECT-Carotid) study, participants were randomized to low-fat, Mediterranean, or low-carbohydrate diets and were followed for changes in carotid artery intima-media thickness, measured with standard B-mode ultrasound, and carotid vessel wall volume (VWV), measured with carotid 3D ultrasound. Of 140 complete images of participants (aged 51 years; body mass index, 30 kg/m2; 88% men), higher baseline carotid VWV was associated with increased intima-media thickness, age, male sex, baseline weight, blood pressure, and insulin levels (P\textless0.05 for all). After 2 years of dietary intervention, we observed a significant 5% regression in mean carotid VWV (−58.1 mm3; 95% confidence interval, −81.0 to −35.1 mm3; P\textless0.001), with no differences in the low-fat, Mediterranean, or low-carbohydrate groups (−60.69 mm3, −37.69 mm3, −84.33 mm3, respectively; P=0.28). Mean change in intima-media thickness was −1.1% (P=0.18). A reduction in the ratio of apolipoprotein B100 to apolipoprotein A1 was observed in the low-carbohydrate compared with the low-fat group (P=0.001). Participants who exhibited carotid VWV regression (mean decrease, −128.0 mm3; 95% confidence interval, −148.1 to −107.9 mm3) compared with participants who exhibited progression (mean increase, +89.6 mm3; 95% confidence interval, +66.6 to +112.6 mm3) had achieved greater weight loss (−5.3 versus −3.2 kg; P=0.03), greater decreases in systolic blood pressure (−6.8 versus −1.1 mm Hg; P=0.009) and total homocysteine (−0.06 versus +1.44 μmol/L; P=0.04), and a higher increase of apolipoprotein A1 (+0.05 versus −0.00 g/L; P=0.06). In multivariate regression models, only the decrease in systolic blood pressure remained a significant independent modifiable predictor of subsequent greater regression in both carotid VWV (β=0.23; P=0.01) and intima-media thickness (β=0.28; P=0.008) levels.$\backslash$nConclusions— Two-year weight loss diets can induce a significant regression of measurable carotid VWV. The effect is similar in low-fat, Mediterranean, or low-carbohydrate strategies and appears to be mediated mainly by the weight loss–induced decline in blood pressure.$\backslash$nClinical Trial Registration— http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT00160108.
Published:
2010
Title:
Diets with High or Low Protein Content and Glycemic Index for Weight-Loss Maintenance
Authors:
Larsen, Thomas Meinert; Dalskov, Stine-Mathilde; van Baak, Marleen; Jebb, Susan A.; Papadaki, Angeliki; Pfeiffer, Andreas F.H.; Martinez, J. Alfredo; Handjieva-Darlenska, Teodora; Kunešová, Marie; Pihlsg\aard, Mats; Stender, Steen; Holst, Claus; Saris, Wim H.M.; Astrup, Arne
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Studies of weight-control diets that are high in protein or low in glycemic index have reached varied conclusions, probably owing to the fact that the studies had insufficient power.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nMETHODS: We enrolled overweight adults from eight European countries who had lost at least 8% of their initial body weight with a 3.3-MJ (800-kcal) low-calorie diet. Participants were randomly assigned, in a two-by-two factorial design, to one of five ad libitum diets to prevent weight regain over a 26-week period: a low-protein and low-glycemic-index diet, a low-protein and high-glycemic-index diet, a high-protein and low-glycemic-index diet, a high-protein and high-glycemic-index diet, or a control diet.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nRESULTS: A total of 1209 adults were screened (mean age, 41 years; body-mass index [the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters], 34), of whom 938 entered the low-calorie-diet phase of the study. A total of 773 participants who completed that phase were randomly assigned to one of the five maintenance diets; 548 completed the intervention (71%). Fewer participants in the high-protein and the low-glycemic-index groups than in the low-protein-high-glycemic-index group dropped out of the study (26.4% and 25.6%, respectively, vs. 37.4%; P=0.02 and P=0.01 for the respective comparisons). The mean initial weight loss with the low-calorie diet was 11.0 kg. In the analysis of participants who completed the study, only the low-protein-high-glycemic-index diet was associated with subsequent significant weight regain (1.67 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 2.87). In an intention-to-treat analysis, the weight regain was 0.93 kg less (95% CI, 0.31 to 1.55) in the groups assigned to a high-protein diet than in those assigned to a low-protein diet (P=0.003) and 0.95 kg less (95% CI, 0.33 to 1.57) in the groups assigned to a low-glycemic-index diet than in those assigned to a high-glycemic-index diet (P=0.003). The analysis involving participants who completed the intervention produced similar results. The groups did not differ significantly with respect to diet-related adverse events.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nCONCLUSIONS: In this large European study, a modest increase in protein content and a modest reduction in the glycemic index led to an improvement in study completion and maintenance of weight loss. (Funded by the European Commission; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00390637.).
Published:
2010
Title:
Effect of ambient temperature and light intensity on physiological reactions of heavy broiler chickens
Authors:
Olanrewaju, H.A.; Purswell, J.L.; Collier, S.D.; Branton, S.L.
Abstract:
The effects of ambient temperature, light intensity, and their interaction on blood acid-base balance, metabolites, and electrolytes in broiler chickens under environmentally controlled conditions were examined in 2 trials. The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design. The 9 treatments consisted of 3 levels of temperatures (low = 15.6°C; moderate = 21.1°C; high = 26.7°C) from 21 to 56 d of age and 3 levels of light intensities (0.5, 3.0, 20 lx) from 8 to 56 d of age at 50% RH. A total of 540 Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 9 environmentally controlled chambers (30 male and 30 female chicks/chamber) at 1 d of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Venous blood samples were collected on d 21 (baseline), 28, 42, and 56. High ambient temperature significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced BW, partial pressure of CO2, bicarbonate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, K+, and Na+ along with significantly (P ≤ 0.05) elevated pH level, Cl-, glucose, osmolality, and anion gap concentrations. Partial pressure of O2 was slightly increased in response to increased ambient temperature. There was no effect of light intensity on most of the blood variables examined. Acid-base regulation during high ambient temperature and light intensity exposure did not deteriorate despite a lower partial pressure of CO2, which consequently increased blood pH because of a compensatory decrease in HCO3- concentration. Plasma corticosterone was not affected by temperature, light intensity, or their interaction. These results indicate that continuous exposure of broiler chickens to varying light intensities had a minor effect on physiological blood variables, whereas high ambient temperature markedly affected various blood variables without inducing stress in broilers. © 2010 Poultry Science Association Inc.
Published:
2010
Title:
Effects of PNPLA3 on liver fat and metabolic profile in hispanic children and adolescents
Authors:
Goran, Michael I.; Walker, Ryan; Le, Kim Anne; Mahurkar, Swapna; Vikman, Susanna; Davis, Jaimie N.; Spruijt-Metz, Donna; Weigensberg, Marc J.; Allayee, Hooman
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: A genome-wide study of adults identified a variant of PNPLA3 (rs738409) associated with ∼twofold higher liver fat. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of PNPLA3 genotype on liver fat and other related metabolic outcomes in obese Hispanic children and adolescents.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nRESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-seven Hispanics aged 8-18 years were genotyped for rs738409. One hundred and eighty-eight subjects had measures of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue volume and hepatic (HFF) and pancreatic (PFF) fat fraction by magnetic resonance imaging. One hundred and thirty-nine subjects did not have HFF measures but had extensive measures of insulin sensitivity and fasting lipids.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nRESULTS: Liver fat in GG subjects was 1.7 and 2.4 times higher than GC and CC (11.1 ± 0.8% in GG vs. 6.6 ± 0.7% in GC and 4.7 ± 0.9% in CC; P \textless 0.0001), and this effect was observed even in the youngest children (8-10 years of age). The variant was not associated with VAT, SAT, PFF, or insulin sensitivity or other glucose/insulin indexes. However, Hispanic children carrying the GG genotype had significantly lower HDL cholesterol (40.9 ± 10.9 in CC vs. 37.0 ± 8.3 in CG vs. 35.7 ± 7.4 in GG; P = 0.03) and a tendency toward lower free fatty acid levels (P = 0.06).$\backslash$n$\backslash$nCONCLUSIONS: These results provide new evidence that the effect of the PNPLA3 variant is apparent in Hispanic children and adolescents, is unique to fat deposition in liver as compared with other ectopic depots examined, and is associated with lower HDL cholesterol.
Published:
2010
Title:
Effects of vegetarian nutrition-A nutrition ecological perspective
Authors:
Metz, Martina; Hoffmann, Ingrid
Abstract:
Although vegetarian nutrition is a complex issue, the multidimensionality and interrelatedness of its effects are rarely explored. This article aims to demonstrate the complexity of vegetarian nutrition by means of the nutrition ecological modeling technique NutriMod. The integrative qualitative cause-effect model, which is based on scientific literature, provides a comprehensive picture of vegetarian nutrition. The nutrition ecological perspective offers a basis for the assessment of the effects of worldwide developments concerning shifts in diets and the effects of vegetarian nutrition on global problems like climate change. Furthermore, new research areas on the complexity of vegetarian nutrition can be identified.
Published:
2010
Title:
Efficacy and safety of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol: A meta-analysis of data from 170 000 participants in 26 randomised trials
Authors:
Baigent, C.; Blackwell, L.; Emberson, J.; Holland, L. E.; Reith, C.; Bhala, N.; Peto, R.; Barnes, E. H.; Keech, A.; Simes, J.; Collins, R.; De Lemos, J.; Braunwald, E.; Blazing, M.; Murphy, S.; Downs, J. R.; Gotto, A.; Clearfield, M.; Holdaas, H.; Gordon, D.; Davis, B.; Koren, M.; Dahlof, B.; Poulter, N.; Sever, P.; Knopp, R. H.; Fellström, B.; Holdaas, H.; Jardine, A.; Schmieder, R.; Zannad, F.; Goldbourt, U.; Kaplinsky, E.; Colhoun, H. M.; Betteridge, D. J.; Durrington, P. N.; Hitman, G. A.; Fuller, J.; Neil, A.; Wanner, C.; Krane, V.; Sacks, F.; Moyé, L.; Pfeffer, M.; Hawkins, C. M.; Braunwald, E.; Barter, P.; Keech, A.; Tavazzi, L.; Maggioni, A.; Marchioli, R.; Tognoni, G.; Franzosi, M. G.; Maggioni, A.; Bloomfield, H.; Robins, S.; Collins, R.; Armitage, J.; Keech, A.; Parish, S.; Peto, R.; Sleight, P.; Pedersen, T. R.; Ridker, P. M.; Holman, R.; Meade, T.; Simes, J.; Keech, A.; MacMahon, S.; Marschner, I.; Tonkin, A.; Shaw, J.; Serruys, P. W.; Nakamura, H.; Knatterud, G.; Furberg, C.; Byington, R.; Macfarlane, P.; Cobbe, S.; Ford, I.; Murphy, M.; Blauw, G. J.; Packard, C.; Shepherd, J.; Kjekshus, J.; Pedersen, T.; Wilhelmsen, L.; Braunwald, E.; Cannon, C.; Murphy, S.; Collins, R.; Armitage, J.; Bowman, L.; Parish, S.; Peto, R.; Sleight, P.; Baigent, C.; Baxter, A.; Collins, R.; Landray, M.; La Rosa, J.; Rossouw, J.; Probstfield, J.; Shepherd, J.; Cobbe, S.; Macfarlane, P.; Ford, I.; Flather, M.; Kastelein, J.; Newman, C.; Shear, C.; Tobert, J.; Varigos, J.; White, H.; Yusuf, S.; Mellies, M.; McGovern, M.; Barclay, J.; Belder, R.; Mitchel, Y.; Musliner, T.; Ansquer, J. C.; Llewellyn, M.; Bortolini, M.; Brandrup-Wognsen, G.; Bryzinski, B.; Olsson, G.; Pears, J.; De Micco, D.; Baxter, A.; Baigent, C.; Barnes, E. H.; Bhala, N.; Blackwell, L.; Buck, G.; Collins, R.; Emberson, J.; Herrington, W. G.; Holland, L. E.; Kearney, P. M.; Keech, A.; Kirby, A.; Lewis, D. A.; Marschner, I.; Pollicino, C.; Reith, C.; Simes, J.; Sourjina, T.
Abstract:
Lowering of LDL cholesterol with standard statin regimens reduces the risk of occlusive vascular events in a wide range of individuals. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol with statin therapy. We undertook meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised trials involving at least 1000 participants and at least 2 years' treatment duration of more versus less intensive statin regimens (five trials; 39 612 individuals; median follow-up 5·1 years) and of statin versus control (21 trials; 129 526 individuals; median follow-up 4·8 years). For each type of trial, we calculated not only the average risk reduction, but also the average risk reduction per 1·0 mmol/L LDL cholesterol reduction at 1 year after randomisation. In the trials of more versus less intensive statin therapy, the weighted mean further reduction in LDL cholesterol at 1 year was 0·51 mmol/L. Compared with less intensive regimens, more intensive regimens produced a highly significant 15 (95 CI 11-18; p\textless0·0001) further reduction in major vascular events, consisting of separately significant reductions in coronary death or non-fatal myocardial infarction of 13 (95 CI 7-19; p\textless0·0001), in coronary revascularisation of 19 (95 CI 15-24; p\textless0·0001), and in ischaemic stroke of 16 (95 CI 5-26; p=0·005). Per 1·0 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol, these further reductions in risk were similar to the proportional reductions in the trials of statin versus control. When both types of trial were combined, similar proportional reductions in major vascular events per 1·0 mmol/L LDL cholesterol reduction were found in all types of patient studied (rate ratio [RR] 0·78, 95 CI 0·76-0·80; p\textless0·0001), including those with LDL cholesterol lower than 2 mmol/L on the less intensive or control regimen. Across all 26 trials, all-cause mortality was reduced by 10 per 1·0 mmol/L LDL reduction (RR 0·90, 95 CI 0·87-0·93; p\textless0·0001), largely reflecting significant reductions in deaths due to coronary heart disease (RR 0·80, 99 CI 0·74-0·87; p\textless0·0001) and other cardiac causes (RR 0·89, 99 CI 0·81-0·98; p=0·002), with no significant effect on deaths due to stroke (RR 0·96, 95 CI 0·84-1·09; p=0·5) or other vascular causes (RR 0·98, 99 CI 0·81-1·18; p=0·8). No significant effects were observed on deaths due to cancer or other non-vascular causes (RR 0·97, 95 CI 0·92-1·03; p=0·3) or on cancer incidence (RR 1·00, 95 CI 0·96- 1·04; p=0·9), even at low LDL cholesterol concentrations. Further reductions in LDL cholesterol safely produce definite further reductions in the incidence of heart attack, of revascularisation, and of ischaemic stroke, with each 1·0 mmol/L reduction reducing the annual rate of these major vascular events by just over a fifth. There was no evidence of any threshold within the cholesterol range studied, suggesting that reduction of LDL cholesterol by 2-3 mmol/L would reduce risk by about 40-50. UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, European Community Biomed Programme, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and National Heart Foundation.
Published:
2010
Title:
Evolutionary Perspectives on Fat Ingestion and Metabolism in Humans
Authors:
Leonard, William R.; Snodgrass, J. Josh; Robertson, Marcia L.
Abstract:
Compared to other primates and mammals of our size, humans allocate a much larger share of their daily energy budget to “feed their brains.” The disproportionately large allocation of our energy budget to brain metabolism has important implications for our dietary needs. To accommodate the high energy demands of our large brains, humans consume diets that are of much higher quality (i.e., more dense in energy and fat) than those of our primate kin (Leonard and Robertson, 1992, 1994). On average, we consume higher levels of dietary fat than other primates (Popovich et al., 1997), and much higher levels of key long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) that are critical to brain development (Crawford et al., 1999; Cordain et al., 2001). Moreover, humans also appear to be distinctive in their developmental changes in body composition. We have higher levels of body fatness than other primate species, and these differences are particularly evident early in life. The need for an energy-rich diet also appears to have shaped our ability to detect and metabolize high-fat foods. Humans show strong preferences for lipid-rich foods. Recent work in neuroscience has shown that these preferences are based on the smell, texture, and taste of fatty foods (Sclafani, 2001; Gaillard et al., 2008; Le Coutre and Schmitt, 2008), and that our brains have the ability to assess the energy content of foods with remarkable speed and accuracy (Toepel et al., 2009). Additionally, compared to large-bodied apes, humans have an enhanced capacity to digest and metabolize higher fat diets. Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with its expanded small intestine and reduced colon, is quite different from those of chimpanzees and gorillas and is consistent with the consumption of a high-quality diet with large amounts of animal food (Milton, 1987, ). Finch and Stanford (2004) have recently shown that the evolution of key “meat-adaptive” genes in hominid evolution were critical to promoting enhanced lipid metabolism necessary for subsisting on diets with greater levels of animal material. This chapter draws on both analyses of living primate species and the human fossil record to explore the evolutionary importance of fat in the nutritional biology of our species. We begin by examining comparative dietary data for modern human groups and other primate species to evaluate the influence that variation in relative brain size has on dietary patterns among modern primates. We then turn to an examination of the human fossil record to consider when and under what conditions in our evolutionary past key changes in brain size and diet likely took place. Finally, we explore how the evolution of large human brains was likely accommodated by distinctive aspects of human growth and development that promote increased levels of body fatness from early in life.
Published:
2010
Title:
Exogenous antioxidants - Double-edged swords in cellular redox state: Health beneficial effects at physiologic doses versus deleterious effects at high doses
Authors:
Bouayed, J.; Bohn, T.
Abstract:
The balance between oxidation and antioxidation is believed to be critical in maintaining healthy biological systems. Under physiological conditions, the human antioxidative defense system including e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and others, allows the elimination of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) including, among others superoxide anions (O2 .-), hydroxyl radicals (OH.), alkoxyl radicals (RO.) and peroxyradicals (ROO .). However, our endogenous antioxidant defense systems are incomplete without exogenous originating reducing compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols, playing an essential role in many antioxidant mechanisms in living organisms. Therefore, there is continuous demand for exogenous antioxidants in order to prevent oxidative stress, representing a disequilibrium redox state in favor of oxidation. However, high doses of isolated compounds may be toxic, owing to prooxidative effects at high concentrations or their potential to react with beneficial concentrations of ROS normally present at physiological conditions that are required for optimal cellular functioning. This review aims to examine the double-edged effects of dietary originating antioxidants with a focus on the most abundant compounds, especially polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids. Different approaches to enrich our body with exogenous antioxidants such as via synthetic antioxidants, diets rich in fruits and vegetables and taking supplements will be reviewed and experimental and epidemiological evidences discussed, highlighting that antioxidants at physiological doses are generally safe, exhibiting interesting health beneficial effects. © 2010 Landes Bioscience.
Published:
2010
Title:
Food addiction: true or false?
Authors:
Corsica, Joyce A.; Pelchat, Marcia L.
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Four therapeutic diets: adherence and acceptability
Authors:
Berkow, Susan E.; Barnard, Neal; Eckart, Jill; Katcher, Heather
Abstract:
Many health conditions are treated, at least in part, by therapeutic diets. Although the success of any intervention depends on its acceptability to the patient, the acceptability of therapeutic diets and factors that influence it have been largely neglected in nutrition research. A working definition of acceptability is proposed and an examination and summary are provided of available data on the acceptability of common diet regimens used for medical conditions. The goal is to suggest ways to improve the success of therapeutic diets. The proposed working definition of "acceptability" refers to the user's judgment of the advantages and disadvantages of a therapeutic diet-in relation to palatability, costs, and effects on eating behaviour and health-that influence the likelihood of adherence. Very low-calorie, reduced-fat omnivorous, vegetarian and vegan, and low-carbohydrate diets all achieve acceptability among the majority of users in studies of up to one year, in terms of attrition and adherence rates and results of questionnaires assessing eating behaviours. Longer studies are fewer, but they suggest that vegetarian, vegan, and reduced-fat diets are acceptable, as indicated by sustained changes in nutrient intake. Few studies of this length have been published for very low-calorie or low-carbohydrate diets. Long-term studies of adherence and acceptability of these and other therapeutic diets are warranted.
Published:
2010
Title:
Fresh Air and Good Food: Children and the Anti‐Tuberculosis Campaign in the Netherlands c.1900–1940
Authors:
Bakker, Nelleke
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols.
Authors:
Institute of Medicine (U.S.); Committee on Examination of Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols; Wartella, Ellen; Lichtenstein, Alice H; Boon, Caitlin S; Institute of Medicine (U.S.); Food and Nutrition Board
Abstract:
"Growing recognition of the nation's obesity crisis and the prevalence of chronic disease have led to an array of efforts aimed at increasing physical activity and promoting healthful eating, including changes in the formulation, packing, labeling, and marketing of food and beverages products the contribute to a healthy lifestyle. In particular, the use of symbols summarizing key nutritional aspects and characteristics of food products has seen substantial growth."--Publisher's description.
Published:
2010
Title:
Genetics of caffeine consumption and responses to caffeine
Authors:
Yang, Amy; Palmer, Abraham A.; De Wit, Harriet
Abstract:
RATIONALE: Caffeine is widely consumed in foods and beverages and is also used for a variety of medical purposes. Despite its widespread use, relatively little is understood regarding how genetics affects consumption, acute response, or the long-term effects of caffeine.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nOBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the literature on the genetics of caffeine from the following: (1) twin studies comparing heritability of consumption and of caffeine-related traits, including withdrawal symptoms, caffeine-induced insomnia, and anxiety, (2) association studies linking genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes and target receptors to variations in caffeine response, and (3) case-control and prospective studies examining relationship between polymorphisms associated with variations in caffeine response to risks of Parkinson's and cardiovascular diseases in habitual caffeine consumers.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nRESULTS: Twin studies find the heritability of caffeine-related traits to range between 0.36 and 0.58. Analysis of polysubstance use shows that predisposition to caffeine use is highly specific to caffeine itself and shares little common disposition to use of other substances. Genome association studies link variations in adenosine and dopamine receptors to caffeine-induced anxiety and sleep disturbances. Polymorphism in the metabolic enzyme cytochrome P-450 is associated with risk of myocardial infarction in caffeine users.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nCONCLUSION: Modeling based on twin studies reveals that genetics plays a role in individual variability in caffeine consumption and in the direct effects of caffeine. Both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic polymorphisms have been linked to variation in response to caffeine. These studies may help guide future research in the role of genetics in modulating the acute and chronic effects of caffeine.
Published:
2010
Title:
Gluten sensitivity: from gut to brain
Authors:
Hadjivassiliou, Marios; Sanders, David S.; Grünewald, Richard A.; Woodroofe, Nicola; Boscolo, Sabrina; Aeschlimann, Daniel
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Glyceraldehyde-derived advanced glycation end products decrease white adipose tissue weight and downregulate leptin, adiponectin, and macrophage marker
Authors:
Watanabe, H.; Yoshida, Y.; Hayase, F.
Abstract:
Metabolic syndrome is the coexistence of several risk factors for arteriosclerosis, including visceral obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Among these factors, obesity has been thought the most important determinant for metabolic syndrome. Obesity is marked by the expansion of white adipose tissue which induces the defective secretion of adipocytokines,3'4 inflammation, and oxidative stress, which cumulatively lead to development and progression of insulin resistance. Recently, it was reported that glucose-, glyceraldehyde(GLA)-, and glycolaldehyde-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) induce generation of intracellular ROS, and then contribute to inhibition the differentiation to adipocytes, attenuation of insulin sensitivity, and upregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in 3T3-L1 cells. However, it is not clear whether AGEs alter function of adipose tissue in vivo. In this study, we examine the effects of GLA-BSA on white adipose tissuess accumulation as well as the expression of adipocytokines and markers of inflammation.
Published:
2010
Title:
Human health benefits supplied by Mediterranean marine biodiversity
Authors:
Lloret, J.
Abstract:
This paper summarizes the overall benefits supplied by Mediterranean marine biodiversity to human health and highlights the anthropogenic and environmental causes that are threatening these benefits. First, the Mediterranean Sea is a valuable source of seafood, which is an important component of the so-called " Mediterranean diet" This type of diet has several health benefits, including cardio and cancer protective effects, which are attributed to the high intake of seafood-derived n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. Second, the Mediterranean marine organisms, particularly the benthic ones, have furnished a large variety of bioactive metabolites, some of which are being developed into new drugs to threat major human diseases such as cancer. Third, the Mediterranean coastal areas provide environments for practising maritime leisure activities that provide physical and psychological benefits to users. Despite all this, fishing, tourism, contamination and sea warming are deteriorating this rich marine ecosystem, which needs to be protected to assure human welfare. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
Published:
2010
Title:
Identifying health impacts of exposure to copper using transcriptomics and metabolomics in a fish model
Authors:
Santos, E.M.; Ball, J.S.; Williams, T.D.; Wu, H.; Ortega, F.; Van Aerle, R.; Katsiadaki, I.; Falciani, F.; Viant, M.R.; Chipman, J.K.; Tyler, C.R.
Abstract:
Copper (Cu) is a micronutrient essential for the biochemical functioning of numerous processes in vertebrates but is also often present in the aquatic environment at concentrations able to cause adverse health effects in aquatic organisms. This study investigated the signaling pathways mediating the effects of exposure to Cu using a toxicogenomic approach in a fish model, the stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Freshwater-acclimated male fish were exposed via the water to Cu, including at environmentally relevant concentrations (3.2-128 μg of Cu/L for 4 days), and the biological responses explored through analyses of the hepatic transcriptome and metabolome and phenotypic end points, including assessment of DNA damage in blood cells. The Cu exposures resulted in DNA strand breaks in blood cells at all exposure concentrations and alterations in hepatic gene expression and metabolite concentrations in a concentration-dependent manner (from 10 μg of Cu/L). Genes associated with the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway were significantly over-represented and consistently down-regulated (at 128 μg of Cu/L), similar to that occurring in a mouse model for Wilson's disease. Additionally, inductions in metallothionein and catalase were also observed. The concentrations of NAD+ and lactate increased significantly with the Cu exposure, consistent with a shift toward anaerobic metabolism, and these aligned closely with changes observed in gene expression. The pathways of Cu toxicity identified in our study support the conserved mechanisms of Cu toxicity from lower vertebrates to mammals, provide novel insights into the deleterious effects of Cu in fish, and further demonstrate the utility of fish as environmental sentinels for chemical impacts on both environmental and human health. © 2010 American Chemical Society.
Published:
2010
Title:
Indian summer monsoon during the last two millennia
Authors:
Anderson, David M.; Baulcomb, Corinne K.; Duvivier, Alice K.; Gupta, Anil K.
Abstract:
The monsoon is a large-scale feature of the tropical atmospheric circulation, affecting people and economies in the world's most densely populated regions. Future trends due to natural variability and human-induced climate changes are uncertain. Palaeoclimate records can improve our understanding of monsoon dynamics and thereby reduce this uncertainty. Palaeoclimate records have revealed a dramatic decrease in the Asian summer monsoon since the early Holocene maximum 9 ka BP. Here we focus on the last 2 ka, where some records indicate an increasing trend in the summer monsoon. Analysing Globigerina bulloides upwelling records from the Arabian Sea, we find the weakest monsoon occurred 1500 a BP, with an increasing trend towards the present. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published:
2010
Title:
Insufficient sleep undermines dietary efforts to reduce adiposity
Authors:
Nedeltcheva, Arlet V.; Kilkus, Jennifer M.; Imperial, Jacqueline; Schoeller, Dale A.; Penev, Plamen D.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Sleep loss can modify energy intake and expenditure.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nOBJECTIVE: To determine whether sleep restriction attenuates the effect of a reduced-calorie diet on excess adiposity.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nDESIGN: Randomized, 2-period, 2-condition crossover study.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nSETTING: University clinical research center and sleep laboratory.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nPATIENTS: 10 overweight nonsmoking adults (3 women and 7 men) with a mean age of 41 years (SD, 5) and a mean body mass index of 27.4 kg/m² (SD, 2.0).$\backslash$n$\backslash$nINTERVENTION: 14 days of moderate caloric restriction with 8.5 or 5.5 hours of nighttime sleep opportunity.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nMEASUREMENTS: The primary measure was loss of fat and fat-free body mass. Secondary measures were changes in substrate utilization, energy expenditure, hunger, and 24-hour metabolic hormone concentrations.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nRESULTS: Sleep curtailment decreased the proportion of weight lost as fat by 55{%} (1.4 vs. 0.6 kg with 8.5 vs. 5.5 hours of sleep opportunity, respectively; P = 0.043) and increased the loss of fat-free body mass by 60{%} (1.5 vs. 2.4 kg; P = 0.002). This was accompanied by markers of enhanced neuroendocrine adaptation to caloric restriction, increased hunger, and a shift in relative substrate utilization toward oxidation of less fat.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nLIMITATION: The nature of the study limited its duration and sample size.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nCONCLUSION: The amount of human sleep contributes to the maintenance of fat-free body mass at times of decreased energy intake. Lack of sufficient sleep may compromise the efficacy of typical dietary interventions for weight loss and related metabolic risk reduction.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nPRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institutes of Health.
Published:
2010
Title:
Jir∨í Raboch, M.D. Lucie Kali∨sová, M.D. Alexander Nawka, M.D. Eva Kitzlerová, M.D. Georgi Onchev, M.D. Anastasia Karastergiou, M.D. Lorenza Magliano, M.D.
Authors:
Dembinskas, Algirdas; Kiejna, Andrzej; Torres-Gonzales, Francisco; Kjellin, Lars; Priebe, Stefan; Kallert, Thomas W
Abstract:
Published:
2010
Title:
Lack of suppression of circulating free fatty acids and hypercholesterolemia during weight loss on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet
Authors:
Hernandez, Teri L.; Sutherland, Julie P.; Wolfe, Pamela; Allian-Sauer, Marybeth; Capell, Warren H.; Talley, Natalie D.; Wyatt, Holly R.; Foster, Gary D.; Hill, James O.; Eckel, Robert H.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the comparative effect of weight-loss diets on metabolic profiles during dieting.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nOBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a low-carbohydrate diet (\textless or =20 g/d) with a high-carbohydrate diet (55% of total energy intake) on fasting and hourly metabolic variables during active weight loss.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nDESIGN: Healthy, obese adults (n = 32; 22 women, 10 men) were randomly assigned to receive either a carbohydrate-restricted diet [High Fat; mean +/- SD body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)): 35.8 +/- 2.9] or a calorie-restricted, low-fat diet (High Carb; BMI: 36.7 +/- 4.6) for 6 wk. A 24-h in-patient feeding study was performed at baseline and after 6 wk. Glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFAs), and triglycerides were measured hourly during meals, at regimented times. Remnant lipoprotein cholesterol was measured every 4 h.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nRESULTS: Patients lost a similar amount of weight in both groups (P = 0.57). There was an absence of any diet treatment effect between groups on fasting triglycerides or on remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, which was the main outcome. Fasting insulin decreased (P = 0.03), and both fasting (P = 0.040) and 24-h FFAs (P \textless 0.0001) increased within the High Fat group. Twenty-four-hour insulin decreased (P \textless 0.05 for both groups). Fasting LDL cholesterol decreased in the High Carb group only (P = 0.003). In both groups, the differences in fasting and 24-h FFAs at 6 wk were significantly correlated with the change in LDL cholesterol (fasting FFA: r = 0.41, P = 0.02; 24-h FFA: r = 0.52, P = 0.002).$\backslash$n$\backslash$nCONCLUSIONS: Weight loss was similar between diets, but only the high-fat diet increased LDL-cholesterol concentrations. This effect was related to the lack of suppression of both fasting and 24-h FFAs.
Published:
2010
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