top of page
Published Science
Click Search to Filter.
Total Entries: 10690
Title:
A new avenue for lithium: intervention in traumatic brain injury
Authors:
Leeds, Peter R; Yu, Fengshan; Wang, Zhifei; Chiu, Chi-Tso; Zhang, Yumin; Leng, Yan; Linares, Gabriel R; Chuang, De-Maw
Abstract:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability and death from trauma to central nervous system (CNS) tissues. For patients who survive the initial injury, TBI can lead to neurodegeneration as well as cognitive and motor deficits, and is even a risk factor for the future development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Preclinical studies of multiple neuropathological and neurodegenerative disorders have shown that lithium, which is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, has considerable neuroprotective effects. Indeed, emerging evidence now suggests that lithium can also mitigate neurological deficits incurred from TBI. Lithium exerts neuroprotective effects and stimulates neurogenesis via multiple signaling pathways; it inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), upregulates neurotrophins and growth factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), modulates inflammatory molecules, upregulates neuroprotective factors (e.g., B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70)), and concomitantly downregulates pro-apoptotic factors. In various experimental TBI paradigms, lithium has been shown to reduce neuronal death, microglial activation, cyclooxygenase-2 induction, amyloid-β (Aβ), and hyperphosphorylated tau levels, to preserve blood-brain barrier integrity, to mitigate neurological deficits and psychiatric disturbance, and to improve learning and memory outcome. Given that lithium exerts multiple therapeutic effects across an array of CNS disorders, including promising results in preclinical models of TBI, additional clinical research is clearly warranted to determine its therapeutic attributes for combating TBI. Here, we review lithium's exciting potential in ameliorating physiological as well as cognitive deficits induced by TBI.
Published:
June 17, 2014
Title:
Compositional differences in soybeans on the market: Glyphosate accumulates in Roundup Ready GM soybeans
Authors:
Bøhn, T.; Cuhra, M.; Traavik, T.; Sanden, M.; Fagan, J.; Primicerio, R.
Abstract:
This article describes the nutrient and elemental composition, including residues of herbicides and pesticides, of 31 soybean batches from Iowa, USA. The soy samples were grouped into three different categories: (i) genetically modified, glyphosate-tolerant soy (GM-soy); (ii) unmodified soy cultivated using a conventional “chemical” cultivation regime; and (iii) unmodified soy cultivated using an organic cultivation regime. Organic soybeans showed the healthiest nutritional profile with more sugars, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose, significantly more total protein, zinc and less fibre than both conventional and GM-soy. Organic soybeans also contained less total saturated fat and total omega-6 fatty acids than both conventional and GM-soy. GM-soy contained high residues of glyphosate and AMPA (mean 3.3 and 5.7mg/kg, respectively). Conventional and organic soybean batches contained none of these agrochemicals. Using 35 different nutritional and elemental variables to characterise each soy sample, we were able to discriminate GM, conventional and organic soybeans without exception, demonstrating “substantial non-equivalence” in compositional characteristics for ‘ready-to-market’ soybeans.
Published:
June 14, 2014
Title:
Glucose hypometabolism is highly localized, but lower cortical thickness and brain atrophy are widespread in cognitively normal older adults
Authors:
Nugent, Scott; Castellano, Christian-Alexandre; Goffaux, Philippe; Whittingstall, Kevin; Lepage, Martin; Paquet, Nancy; Bocti, Christian; Fulop, Tamas; Cunnane, Stephen C.
Abstract:
Several studies have suggested that glucose hypometabolism may be present in specific brain regions in cognitively normal older adults and could contribute to the risk of subsequent cognitive decline. However, certain methodological shortcomings, including a lack of partial volume effect (PVE) correction or insufficient cognitive testing, confound the interpretation of most studies on this topic. We combined [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to quantify cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRg) as well as cortical volume and thickness in 43 anatomically defined brain regions from a group of cognitively normal younger (25 ± 3 yr old; n = 25) and older adults (71 ± 9 yr old; n = 31). After correcting for PVE, we observed 11-17% lower CMRg in three specific brain regions of the older group: the superior frontal cortex, the caudal middle frontal cortex, and the caudate (P ≤ 0.01 false discovery rate-corrected). In the older group, cortical volumes and cortical thickness were 13-33 and 7-18% lower, respectively, in multiple brain regions (P ≤ 0.01 FDR correction). There were no differences in CMRg between individuals who were or were not prescribed antihypertensive medication. There were no significant correlations between CMRg and cognitive performance or metabolic parameters measured in fasting plasma. We conclude that highly localized glucose hypometabolism and widespread cortical thinning and atrophy can be present in older adults who are cognitively normal, as assessed using age-normed neuropsychological testing measures.
Published:
May 31, 2014
Title:
Marquesan colonisation chronologies and post-colonisation interaction: Implications for Hawaiian origins and the 'Marquesan Homeland' hypothesis
Authors:
Allen, Melinda
Abstract:
The research of Patrick Kirch, within the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, has forged understanding of Hawaiian origins and the chronology of Polynesian island settlement for more than four decades. As he outlines in his recent review of the Hawaiian sequence, improved radiocarbon chronologies, along with new archaeological and palaeoecological evidence, has led to a growing consensus that Hawai‘i was probably settled around the 11th to 13th centuries AD. Historically, archaeologists have considered the Marquesas Islands, some 3,500 km to the southeast, a likely Hawaiian homeland. This issue is revisited here, asking whether recent studies reinforce or undermine the Marquesas Islands as a source area.New sites and new chronometric data show that the Marquesas were settled as early as any other central East Polynesian archipelago (with the possible exception of the Societies) and perhaps early enough to have fostered Hawaiian colonists. Analysis of Marquesan 14C results on short-lived materials (lifespans of ≤10 yr ) unambiguously place Polynesians in the archipelago in the 13th century, while numerous dates on other materials point to the likelihood of colonisation from the 11th to 12th centuries. Less secure results intimate colonization could date from the 10th to 11th centuries AD. Other evidence (ceramics and stone tool geochemistry) indicates multiple and unusually far-ranging regional contacts between roughly the 12th to 15th centuries, a situation which suggests superior and sustained voyaging. The evidence reviewed here is sufficient to continue entertaining the possibility that the Marquesas Islands were a departure point for the Polynesian settlers of Hawai‘i, although many uncertainties remain.
Published:
May 31, 2014
Title:
Metropolitan Racial Residential Segregation and Cardiovascular Mortality: Exploring Pathways
Authors:
Greer, Sophia; Kramer, Michael R.; Cook-Smith, Jessica N.; Casper, Michele L.
Abstract:
Racial residential segregation has been associated with an increased risk for heart disease and stroke deaths. However, there has been little research into the role that candidate mediating pathways may play in the relationship between segregation and heart disease or stroke deaths. In this study, we examined the relationship between metropolitan statistical area (MSA)-level segregation and heart disease and stroke mortality rates, by age and race, and also estimated the effects of various educational, economic, social, and health-care indicators (which we refer to as pathways) on this relationship. We used Poisson mixed models to assess the relationship between the isolation index in 265 U.S. MSAs and county-level (heart disease, stroke) mortality rates. All models were stratified by race (non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white), age group (35–64 years, ≥65 years), and cause of death (heart disease, stroke). We included each potential pathway in the model separately to evaluate its effect on the segregation–mortality association. Among blacks, segregation was positively associated with heart disease mortality rates in both age groups but only with stroke mortality rates in the older age group. Among whites, segregation was marginally associated with heart disease mortality rates in the younger age group and was positively associated with heart disease mortality rates in the older age group. Three of the potential pathways we explored attenuated relationships between segregation and mortality rates among both blacks and whites: percentage of female-headed households, percentage of residents living in poverty, and median household income. Because the percentage of female-headed households can be seen as a proxy for the extent of social disorganization, our finding that it has the greatest attenuating effect on the relationship between racial segregation and heart disease and stroke mortality rates suggests that social disorganization may play a strong role in the elevated rates of heart disease and stroke found in racially segregated metropolitan areas.
Published:
May 31, 2014
Title:
RAGE Regulates the Metabolic and Inflammatory Response to High-Fat Feeding in Mice
Authors:
Song, Fei; Pozo, Carmen Hurtado del; Rosario, Rosa; Zou, Yu Shan; Ananthakrishnan, Radha; Xu, Xiaoyuan; Patel, Payal R.; Benoit, Vivian M.; Yan, Shi Fang; Li, Huilin; Friedman, Richard A.; Kim, Jason K.; Ramasamy, Ravichandran; Ferrante, Anthony W.; Schmidt, Ann Marie
Abstract:
In mammals, changes in the metabolic state, including obesity, fasting, cold challenge, and high-fat diets (HFDs), activate complex immune responses. In many strains of rodents, HFDs induce a rapid systemic inflammatory response and lead to obesity. Little is known about the molecular signals required for HFD-induced phenotypes. We studied the function of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the development of phenotypes associated with high-fat feeding in mice. RAGE is highly expressed on immune cells, including macrophages. We found that high-fat feeding induced expression of RAGE ligand HMGB1 and carboxymethyllysine-advanced glycation end product epitopes in liver and adipose tissue. Genetic deficiency of RAGE prevented the effects of HFD on energy expenditure, weight gain, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance. RAGE deficiency had no effect on genetic forms of obesity caused by impaired melanocortin signaling. Hematopoietic deficiency of RAGE or treatment with soluble RAGE partially protected against peripheral HFD-induced inflammation and weight gain. These findings demonstrate that high-fat feeding induces peripheral inflammation and weight gain in a RAGE-dependent manner, providing a foothold in the pathways that regulate diet-induced obesity and offering the potential for therapeutic intervention.
Published:
May 31, 2014
Title:
Surface area of the digestive tract – revisited
Authors:
Helander, Herbert F.; Fändriks, Lars
Abstract:
Background. According to textbooks, the human gut mucosa measures 260–300 m2, that is, in the order of a tennis court. However, the quantitative data are incomplete and sometimes conflicting. Objectives. To review the literature regarding the mucosal surface area of the human digestive tract; to collect morphometric data from the parts of the gut where such data are missing; and to recalculate the mucosal surface area of the intestine in man. Methods. With focus on the intestine, we carried out morphometry by light and electron microscopy on biopsies from healthy adult volunteers or patients with endoscopically normal mucosae. Results. Literature review of intubation or radiological methods indicates an oroanal length of ∼5 m, two-third of which refers to the small intestine. However, there is a considerable variation between individuals. The inner diameter of the small intestine averages 2.5 cm and that of the large intestine averages 4.8 cm. The mucosa of the small intestine is enlarged ∼1.6 times by the plicae circulares. Morphometric data obtained by light and electron microscopy of biopsies demonstrate that villi and microvilli together amplify the small intestinal surface area by 60–120 times. Surface amplification due to microvilli in the colon is ∼6.5 times. The mean total mucosal surface of the digestive tract interior averages ∼32 m2, of which about 2 m2 refers to the large intestine. Conclusion. The total area of the human adult gut mucosa is not in the order of tennis lawn, rather is that of half a badminton court.
Published:
May 31, 2014
Title:
Beyond meatless, the health effects of vegan diets: findings from the Adventist cohorts
Authors:
Le, Lap Tai; Sabaté, Joan
Abstract:
Vegetarians, those who avoid meat, and vegans, additionally avoiding dairy and eggs, represent 5% and 2%, respectively, of the US population. The aim of this review is to assess the effects of vegetarian diets, particularly strict vegetarian diets (i.e., vegans) on health and disease outcomes. We summarized available evidence from three prospective cohorts of Adventists in North America: Adventist Mortality Study, Adventist Health Study, and Adventist Health Study-2. Non-vegetarian diets were compared to vegetarian dietary patterns (i.e., vegan and lacto-ovo-vegetarian) on selected health outcomes. Vegetarian diets confer protection against cardiovascular diseases, cardiometabolic risk factors, some cancers and total mortality. Compared to lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets, vegan diets seem to offer additional protection for obesity, hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular mortality. Males experience greater health benefits than females. Limited prospective data is available on vegetarian diets and body weight change. Large randomized intervention trials on the effects of vegetarian diet patterns on neurological and cognitive functions, obesity, diabetes, and other cardiovascular outcomes are warranted to make meaningful recommendations.
Published:
May 26, 2014
Title:
The evolution of self-control
Authors:
MacLean, Evan L.; Hare, Brian; Nunn, Charles L.; Addessi, Elsa; Amici, Federica; Anderson, Rindy C.; Aureli, Filippo; Baker, Joseph M.; Bania, Amanda E.; Barnard, Allison M.; Boogert, Neeltje J.; Brannon, Elizabeth M.; Bray, Emily E.; Bray, Joel; Brent, Lauren J. N.; Burkart, Judith M.; Call, Josep; Cantlon, Jessica F.; Cheke, Lucy G.; Clayton, Nicola S.; Delgado, Mikel M.; DiVincenti, Louis J.; Fujita, Kazuo; Herrmann, Esther; Hiramatsu, Chihiro; Jacobs, Lucia F.; Jordan, Kerry E.; Laude, Jennifer R.; Leimgruber, Kristin L.; Messer, Emily J. E.; Moura, Antonio C. de A.; Ostojić, Ljerka; Picard, Alejandra; Platt, Michael L.; Plotnik, Joshua M.; Range, Friederike; Reader, Simon M.; Reddy, Rachna B.; Sandel, Aaron A.; Santos, Laurie R.; Schumann, Katrin; Seed, Amanda M.; Sewall, Kendra B.; Shaw, Rachael C.; Slocombe, Katie E.; Su, Yanjie; Takimoto, Ayaka; Tan, Jingzhi; Tao, Ruoting; Schaik, Carel P. van; Virányi, Zsófia; Visalberghi, Elisabetta; Wade, Jordan C.; Watanabe, Arii; Widness, Jane; Young, Julie K.; Zentall, Thomas R.; Zhao, Yini
Abstract:
Although scientists have identified surprising cognitive flexibility in animals and potentially unique features of human psychology, we know less about the selective forces that favor cognitive evolution, or the proximate biological mechanisms underlying ...
Published:
May 19, 2014
Title:
Fish Consumption, Sleep, Daily Functioning, and Heart Rate Variability
Authors:
Hansen, Anita L.; Dahl, Lisbeth; Olson, Gina; Thornton, David; Graff, Ingvild E.; Frøyland, Livar; Thayer, Julian F.; Pallesen, Staale
Abstract:
Study Objectives: This study investigated the effects of fatty fish on sleep, daily functioning and biomarkers such as heart rate variability (HRV), vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) in red blood cells. Moreover the relationship among sleep, daily functioning, HRV, vitamin D status, and levels of EPA+DHA was investigated. Methods: Ninety-five male forensic patients from a secure forensic inpatient facility in the USA were randomly assigned into a Fish or a Control group. The Fish group received Atlantic salmon three times per week from September to February, and the Control group was provided an alternative meal (e.g., chicken, pork, beef), but with the same nutritional value as their habitual diet, three times per week during the same period. Sleep (sleep latency, sleep efficiency, actual sleep time, and actual wake time), self-perceived sleep quality and daily functioning, as well as vitamin D status, EPA+DHA, and HRV, were assessed pre- and post-intervention period. Results: There was a significant increase in sleep latency from pre- to post-test in the Control group. The Fish group reported better daily functioning than the Control group during post-test. Fish consumption throughout the wintertime had also an effect on resting HRV and EPA+DHA, but not on vitamin D status. However, at post-test, the vitamin D status in the Fish group was still closer to the level regarded as optimal compared to the Control group. Vitamin D status correlated negatively with actual wake time and positively with sleep efficiency during pre-test, as well as positively with daily functioning and sleep quality during post-test. Finally, HRV correlated negatively with sleep latency and positively with daily functioning. Conclusions: Fish consumption seemed to have a positive impact on sleep in general and also on daily functioning, which may be related to vitamin D status and HRV. Citation: Hansen AL, Dahl L, Olson G, Thornton D, Graff IE, Frøyland L, Thayer JF, Pallesen S. Fish consumption, sleep, daily functioning, and heart rate variability. J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(5):567-575.
Published:
May 14, 2014
Title:
Olive Oil Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the PREDIMED Study
Authors:
M, Guasch-Ferré; Fb, Hu; Ma, Martínez-González; M, Fitó; M, Bulló; R, Estruch; E, Ros; D, Corella; J, Recondo; E, Gómez-Gracia; M, Fiol; J, Lapetra; L, Serra-Majem; Ma, Muñoz; X, Pintó; Rm, Lamuela-Raventós; J, Basora; P, Buil-Cosiales; Jv, Sorlí; V, Ruiz-Gutiérrez; Ja, Martínez; J, Salas-Salvadó
Abstract:
This study was registered at controlled-trials.com (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN35739639). International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 35739639. Registration date: 5 October 2005.
Published:
May 12, 2014
Title:
Peripheral arterial calcification: prevalence, mechanism, detection, and clinical implications
Authors:
Rocha-Singh, Krishna J.; Zeller, Thomas; Jaff, Michael R.
Abstract:
Vascular calcification (VC), particularly medial (Mönckeberg's medial sclerosis) arterial calcification, is common in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and genetic pathways of VC are not fully known, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and the suppression of parathyroid hormone activity are central to the development of vessel mineralization and, consequently, bone demineralization. In addition to preventive measures, such as the modification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors, current treatment strategies include the use of calcium-free phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, and calcium mimetics that have shown promising results, albeit in small patient cohorts. The impact of intimal and medial VC on the safety and effectiveness of endovascular devices to treat symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains poorly defined. The absence of a generally accepted, validated vascular calcium grading scale hampers clinical progress in assessing the safety and utility of various endovascular devices (e.g., atherectomy) in treating calcified vessels. Accordingly, we propose the peripheral arterial calcium scoring system (PACSS) and a method for its clinical validation. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular calcification and the development of optimal medical and endovascular treatment strategies are crucial as the population ages and presents with more chronic comorbidities.
Published:
April 30, 2014
Title:
The need to advance nutrition education in the training of health care professionals and recommended research to evaluate implementation and effectiveness
Authors:
Kris-Etherton, P. M.; Akabas, S. R.; Bales, C. W.; Bistrian, B.; Braun, L.; Edwards, M. S.; Laur, C.; Lenders, C. M.; Levy, M. D.; Palmer, C. A.; Pratt, C. A.; Ray, S.; Rock, C. L.; Saltzman, E.; Seidner, D. L.; Van Horn, L.
Abstract:
Published:
April 30, 2014
Title:
Maternal nutrition at conception modulates DNA methylation of human metastable epialleles
Authors:
Dominguez-Salas, Paula; Moore, Sophie E.; Baker, Maria S.; Bergen, Andrew W.; Cox, Sharon E.; Dyer, Roger A.; Fulford, Anthony J.; Guan, Yongtao; Laritsky, Eleonora; Silver, Matt J.; Swan, Gary E.; Zeisel, Steven H.; Innis, Sheila M.; Waterland, Robert A.; Prentice, Andrew M.; Hennig, Branwen J.
Abstract:
In experimental animals, maternal diet during the periconceptional period influences the establishment of DNA methylation at metastable epialleles in the offspring, with permanent phenotypic consequences. Pronounced naturally occurring seasonal differences in the diet of rural Gambian women allowed us to test this in humans. We show that significant seasonal variations in methyl-donor nutrient intake of mothers around the time of conception influence 13 relevant plasma biomarkers. The level of several of these maternal biomarkers predicts increased/decreased methylation at metastable epialleles in DNA extracted from lymphocytes and hair follicles in infants postnatally. Our results demonstrate that maternal nutritional status during early pregnancy causes persistent and systemic epigenetic changes at human metastable epialleles.
Published:
April 28, 2014
Title:
Safety of soya-based infant formulas in children
Authors:
Vandenplas, Yvan; Castrellon, Pedro Gutierrez; Rivas, Rodolfo; Gutiérrez, Carlos Jimenez; Garcia, Luisa Diaz; Jimenez, Juliana Estevez; Anzo, Anahi; Hegar, Badriul; Alarcon, Pedro
Abstract:
Soya-based infant formulas (SIF) containing soya flour were introduced almost 100 years ago. Modern soya formulas are used in allergy/intolerance to cows' milk-based formulas (CMF), post-infectious diarrhoea, lactose intolerance and galactosaemia, as a vegan human milk (HM) substitute, etc. The safety of SIF is still debated. In the present study, we reviewed the safety of SIF in relation to anthropometric growth, bone health (bone mineral content), immunity, cognition, and reproductive and endocrine functions. The present review includes cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies or clinical trials that were carried out in children fed SIF compared with those fed other types of infant formulas and that measured safety. The databases that were searched included PubMed (1909 to July 2013), Embase (1988 to May 2013), LILACS (1990 to May 2011), ARTEMISA (13th edition, December 2012), Cochrane controlled trials register, Bandolier and DARE using the Cochrane methodology. Wherever possible, a meta-analysis was carried out. We found that the anthropometric patterns of children fed SIF were similar to those of children fed CMF or HM. Despite the high levels of phytates and aluminium in SIF, Hb, serum protein, Zn and Ca concentrations and bone mineral content were found to be similar to those of children fed CMF or HM. We also found the levels of genistein and daidzein to be higher in children fed SIF; however, we did not find strong evidence of a negative effect on reproductive and endocrine functions. Immune measurements and neurocognitive parameters were similar in all the feeding groups. In conclusion, modern SIF are evidence-based safety options to feed children requiring them. The patterns of growth, bone health and metabolic, reproductive, endocrine, immune and neurological functions are similar to those observed in children fed CMF or HM.
Published:
April 27, 2014
Title:
Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence Associated with Carbohydrate Intake and Tissue Expression of IGF-1 Receptor
Authors:
Emond, Jennifer A.; Pierce, John P.; Natarajan, Loki; Gapuz, Laarni R.; Nguyen, John; Parker, Barbara A.; Varki, Nissi M.; Patterson, Ruth E.
Abstract:
Background: The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor is a potential target for breast cancer treatment and may be influenced by dietary intake. Methods: Nested, case-control study of 265 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors; primary breast cancer tissue was stained to determine IGF-1 receptor status. Change in carbohydrate intake from baseline to Year 1 of study was estimated from 24-hour dietary recalls. Breast cancer recurrence cases (91) were matched to 2 controls (n=174) on disease and study characteristics and counter-matched on change in carbohydrate intake. Weighted conditional logistic regression models fit the risk of recurrence on IGF-1 receptor status and dietary change. Results: Half of tumors were IGF-1 receptor positive. Increased risk of recurrence was associated with IGF-1 receptor positive status (HR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5) and, separately, with a stable/increased intake of carbohydrates (HR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3 5.0). There was a borderline significant interaction between those two variables (p=0.11). Specifically, carbohydrate intake had no significant impact on risk of recurrence among women who were receptor negative, yet increased the risk of recurrence by over 5-fold among women who were receptor positive (HR 5.5; 95% CI 1.8-16.3). Conclusions: Among women whose tumor tissue is positive for the IGF 1 receptor, reducing carbohydrate intake after diagnosis could reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. These findings need replication in a larger sample. Impact: This is the first study to suggest that it may be possible to personalize dietary recommendations for breast cancer survivors based on molecular characteristics of their primary tumor tissue.
Published:
April 21, 2014
Title:
High uric acid directly inhibits insulin signalling and induces insulin resistance
Authors:
Zhu, Yuzhang; Hu, Yaqiu; Tianliang, Huang; Zhang, Yongneng; Li, Zhi; Chaohuan, Luo; Luo, Yinfeng; Yuan, Huier; Hisatome, Ichiro; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Cheng, Jidong
Abstract:
Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that hyperuricemia is strongly associated with abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. However, how high uric acid (HUA) level causes insulin resistance remains unclear. We aimed to determine the direct role of HUA in insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo in mice. An acute hyperuricemia mouse model was created by potassium oxonate treatment, and the impact of HUA level on insulin resistance was investigated by glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test and insulin signalling, including phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and Akt. HepG2 cells were exposed to HUA treatment and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), reactive oxygen species scavenger; IRS1 and Akt phosphorylation was detected by western blot analysis after insulin treatment. Hyperuricemic mice showed impaired glucose tolerance with insulin resistance. Hyperuricemia inhibited phospho-Akt (Ser473) response to insulin and increased phosphor-IRS1 (Ser307) in liver, muscle and fat tissues. HUA induced oxidative stress, and the antioxidant NAC blocked HUA-induced IRS1 activation and Akt inhibition in HepG2 cells. This study supplies the first evidence of HUA directly inducing insulin resistance in vivo and in vitro. Increased uric acid level may inhibit IRS1 and Akt insulin signalling and induce insulin resistance. The reactive oxygen species pathway plays a key role in HUA-induced insulin resistance.
Published:
April 20, 2014
Title:
Genome-Wide Diet-Gene Interaction Analyses for Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors:
Figueiredo, Jane C.; Hsu, Li; Hutter, Carolyn M.; Lin, Yi; Campbell, Peter T.; Baron, John A.; Berndt, Sonja I.; Jiao, Shuo; Casey, Graham; Fortini, Barbara; Chan, Andrew T.; Cotterchio, Michelle; Lemire, Mathieu; Gallinger, Steven; Harrison, Tabitha A.; Marchand, Loic Le; Newcomb, Polly A.; Slattery, Martha L.; Caan, Bette J.; Carlson, Christopher S.; Zanke, Brent W.; Rosse, Stephanie A.; Brenner, Hermann; Giovannucci, Edward L.; Wu, Kana; Chang-Claude, Jenny; Chanock, Stephen J.; Curtis, Keith R.; Duggan, David; Gong, Jian; Haile, Robert W.; Hayes, Richard B.; Hoffmeister, Michael; Hopper, John L.; Jenkins, Mark A.; Kolonel, Laurence N.; Qu, Conghui; Rudolph, Anja; Schoen, Robert E.; Schumacher, Fredrick R.; Seminara, Daniela; Stelling, Deanna L.; Thibodeau, Stephen N.; Thornquist, Mark; Warnick, Greg S.; Henderson, Brian E.; Ulrich, Cornelia M.; Gauderman, W. James; Potter, John D.; White, Emily; Peters, Ulrike; Ccfr, On Behalf Of; Gecco, And
Abstract:
Dietary factors, including meat, fruits, vegetables and fiber, are associated with colorectal cancer; however, there is limited information as to whether these dietary factors interact with genetic variants to modify risk of colorectal cancer. We tested interactions between these dietary factors and approximately 2.7 million genetic variants for colorectal cancer risk among 9,287 cases and 9,117 controls from ten studies. We used logistic regression to investigate multiplicative gene-diet interactions, as well as our recently developed Cocktail method that involves a screening step based on marginal associations and gene-diet correlations and a testing step for multiplicative interactions, while correcting for multiple testing using weighted hypothesis testing. Per quartile increment in the intake of red and processed meat were associated with statistically significant increased risks of colorectal cancer and vegetable, fruit and fiber intake with lower risks. From the case-control analysis, we detected a significant interaction between rs4143094 (10p14/near GATA3) and processed meat consumption (OR = 1.17; p = 8.7E-09), which was consistently observed across studies (p heterogeneity = 0.78). The risk of colorectal cancer associated with processed meat was increased among individuals with the rs4143094-TG and -TT genotypes (OR = 1.20 and OR = 1.39, respectively) and null among those with the GG genotype (OR = 1.03). Our results identify a novel gene-diet interaction with processed meat for colorectal cancer, highlighting that diet may modify the effect of genetic variants on disease risk, which may have important implications for prevention.
Published:
April 16, 2014
Title:
Dietary patterns in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors:
Woo, Hae Dong; Kim, Dong Woo; Hong, Young-Seoub; Kim, Yu-Mi; Seo, Ju-Hee; Choe, Byeong Moo; Park, Jae Hong; Kang, Je-Wook; Yoo, Jae-Ho; Chueh, Hee Won; Lee, Jung Hyun; Kwak, Min Jung; Kim, Jeongseon
Abstract:
The role of diet in the behavior of children has been controversial, but the association of several nutritional factors with childhood behavioral disorders has been continually suggested. We conducted a case-control study to identify dietary patterns associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study included 192 elementary school students aged seven to 12 years. Three non-consecutive 24-h recall (HR) interviews were employed to assess dietary intake, and 32 predefined food groups were considered in a principal components analysis (PCA). PCA identified four major dietary patterns: the "traditional" pattern, the "seaweed-egg" pattern, the "traditional-healthy" pattern, and the "snack" pattern. The traditional-healthy pattern is characterized by a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates as well as high intakes of fatty acids and minerals. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of ADHD for the highest tertile of the traditional-healthy pattern in comparison with the lowest tertile was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.12-0.79). The score of the snack pattern was positively associated with the risk of ADHD, but a significant association was observed only in the second tertile. A significant association between ADHD and the dietary pattern score was not found for the other two dietary patterns. In conclusion, the traditional-healthy dietary pattern was associated with lower odds having ADHD.
Published:
April 13, 2014
Title:
A Randomized Pilot Trial of a Moderate Carbohydrate Diet Compared to a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet in Overweight or Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Prediabetes
Authors:
Saslow, Laura R.; Kim, Sarah; Daubenmier, Jennifer J.; Moskowitz, Judith T.; Phinney, Stephen D.; Goldman, Veronica; Murphy, Elizabeth J.; Cox, Rachel M.; Moran, Patricia; Hecht, Fredrick M.
Abstract:
Published:
April 8, 2014
Title:
A Randomized Pilot Trial of a Moderate Carbohydrate Diet Compared to a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet in Overweight or Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Prediabetes
Authors:
Saslow, Laura R.; Kim, Sarah; Daubenmier, Jennifer J.; Moskowitz, Judith T.; Phinney, Stephen D.; Goldman, Veronica; Murphy, Elizabeth J.; Cox, Rachel M.; Moran, Patricia; Hecht, Fredrick M.
Abstract:
We compared the effects of two diets on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and other health-related outcomes in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (HbA1c>6%). We randomized participants to either a medium carbohydrate, low fat, calorie-restricted, carbohydrate counting diet (MCCR) consistent with guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (n = 18) or a very low carbohydrate, high fat, non calorie-restricted diet whose goal was to induce nutritional ketosis (LCK, n = 16). We excluded participants receiving insulin; 74% were taking oral diabetes medications. Groups met for 13 sessions over 3 months and were taught diet information and psychological skills to promote behavior change and maintenance. At 3 months, mean HbA1c level was unchanged from baseline in the MCCR diet group, while it decreased 0.6% in the LCK group; there was a significant between group difference in HbA1c change favoring the LCK group (−0.6%, 95% CI, −1.1% to −0.03%, p = 0.04). Forty-four percent of the LCK group discontinued one or more diabetes medications, compared to 11% of the MCCR group (p = 0.03); 31% discontinued sulfonylureas in the LCK group, compared to 5% in the MCCR group (p = 0.05). The LCK group lost 5.5 kg vs. 2.6 kg lost in MCCR group (p = 0.09). Our results suggest that a very low carbohydrate diet coupled with skills to promote behavior change may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes while allowing decreases in diabetes medications. This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01713764.
Published:
April 8, 2014
Title:
A Study Of Insulin Resistance In Multiplesclerosis Subjects And Healthy Controls (P6.171)
Authors:
Goldman, Myla; Koenig, Scott; Yeamans, Rebecca; Johnston, Karen
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Determine incidence of insulin resistance in MS and control subjects using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). BACKGROUND: Diabetes and cardiovascular co-morbidities are associated with accelerated multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression. Reduced mobility, sedentary lifestyle, and repeat steroid exposure are insulin resistance risk factors common in MS. DESIGN/METHODS: Recruitment ongoing for 50 subjects (25 each): age 18 -64, non-obese, fasting blood glucose (BG)
Published:
April 7, 2014
Title:
Chronic High-Fat Diet Impairs Collecting Lymphatic Vessel Function in Mice
Authors:
Blum, Katrin S.; Karaman, Sinem; Proulx, Steven T.; Ochsenbein, Alexandra M.; Luciani, Paola; Leroux, Jean-Christophe; Wolfrum, Christian; Detmar, Michael
Abstract:
Lymphatic vessels play an essential role in intestinal lipid uptake, and impairment of lymphatic vessel function leads to enhanced adipose tissue accumulation in patients with lymphedema and in genetic mouse models of lymphatic dysfunction. However, the effects of obesity on lymphatic function have been poorly studied. We investigated if and how adipose tissue accumulation influences lymphatic function. Using a lymphatic specific tracer, we performed in vivo near-infrared (NIR) imaging to assess the function of collecting lymphatic vessels in mice fed normal chow or high-fat diet (HFD). Histological and whole mount analyses were performed to investigate the morphological changes in initial and the collecting lymphatic vessels. HFD was associated with impaired collecting lymphatic vessel function, as evidenced by reduced frequency of contractions and diminished response to mechanostimulation. Moreover, we found a significant negative correlation between collecting lymphatic vessel function and body weight. Whole mount analyses showed an enlargement of contractile collecting lymphatic vessels of the hind limb. In K14-VEGF-C mice, HFD resulted in a reduced spreading of the tracer within dermal lymphatic vessels. These findings indicate that adipose tissue expansion due to HFD leads to a functional impairment of the lymphatic vasculature, predominantly in collecting lymphatic vessels.
Published:
April 7, 2014
Title:
Added Sugar Intake and Cardiovascular Diseases Mortality Among US Adults
Authors:
Yang, Quanhe; Zhang, Zefeng; Gregg, Edward W.; Flanders, W. Dana; Merritt, Robert; Hu, Frank B.
Abstract:
Importance
Epidemiologic studies have suggested that higher intake of added sugar is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Few prospective studies have examined the association of added sugar intake with CVD mortality.
Objective
To examine time trends of added sugar consumption as percentage of daily calories in the United States and investigate the association of this consumption with CVD mortality.
Design, Setting, and Participants
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1988-1994 [III], 1999-2004, and 2005-2010 [n = 31 147]) for the time trend analysis and NHANES III Linked Mortality cohort (1988-2006 [n = 11 733]), a prospective cohort of a nationally representative sample of US adults for the association study.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Cardiovascular disease mortality.
Results
Among US adults, the adjusted mean percentage of daily calories from added sugar increased from 15.7% (95% CI, 15.0%-16.4%) in 1988-1994 to 16.8% (16.0%-17.7%;P = .02) in 1999-2004 and decreased to 14.9% (14.2%-15.5%;P < .001) in 2005-2010. Most adults consumed 10% or more of calories from added sugar (71.4%) and approximately 10% consumed 25% or more in 2005-2010. During a median follow-up period of 14.6 years, we documented 831 CVD deaths during 163 039 person-years. Age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity–adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of CVD mortality across quintiles of the percentage of daily calories consumed from added sugar were 1.00 (reference), 1.09 (95% CI, 1.05-1.13), 1.23 (1.12-1.34), 1.49 (1.24-1.78), and 2.43 (1.63-3.62;P < .001), respectively. After additional adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics, HRs were 1.00 (reference), 1.07 (1.02-1.12), 1.18 (1.06-1.31), 1.38 (1.11-1.70), and 2.03 (1.26-3.27;P = .004), respectively. Adjusted HRs were 1.30 (95% CI, 1.09-1.55) and 2.75 (1.40-5.42;P = .004), respectively, comparing participants who consumed 10.0% to 24.9% or 25.0% or more calories from added sugar with those who consumed less than 10.0% of calories from added sugar. These findings were largely consistent across age group, sex, race/ethnicity (except among non-Hispanic blacks), educational attainment, physical activity, health eating index, and body mass index.
Conclusions and Relevance
Most US adults consume more added sugar than is recommended for a healthy diet. We observed a significant relationship between added sugar consumption and increased risk for CVD mortality.
Published:
March 31, 2014
Title:
Healthcare Utilization Among Hispanic Immigrants with Diabetes: Investigating the Effect of US Documentation Status
Authors:
Do, Elizabeth K.; Matsuyama, Robin K.
Abstract:
Previous studies have not examined whether documentation status has an effect on healthcare utilization among US Hispanic immigrants with diabetes. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Pew Hispanic Center and Robert Johnson Wood Foundation’s 2007 Hispanic Healthcare Survey. Hispanic immigrants diagnosed with diabetes were included in analyses. The association between documentation status and healthcare utilization was assessed using logistic regressions. Of N = 577 Hispanic immigrants with diabetes, 80 % were documented immigrants and 81 % reported having visited a healthcare provider in the last 6 months. Adjusting for confounders, those who were undocumented faced higher odds of having seen a healthcare provider more than 6 months ago or never when compared to those who were documented (OR = 1.79; 95 % CI 1.01, 3.14). Unique opportunities in addressing healthcare disparities can be found in focusing on the Hispanic immigrant population living with diabetes.
Published:
March 31, 2014
Title:
Human intestinal tract length and relationship with body height (916.4)
Authors:
Minko, Elizaveta; Pagano, Anthony; Caceres, Noel; Adar, Tony; Márquez, Samuel
Abstract:
Despite its great importance in surgical approaches to intestinal resection, little definitive information is available on human gut tract length. Previous studies have correlated various measures with sex, age, weight, height, and “ethnic background.” Better knowledge of these relationships may aid in avoidance of surgical complications such as the nutritional disorder “short bowel syndrome.” This study examined length of the intestinal tract and its components (small intestine and colon) in 10 donor bodies. The small intestine was measured from pyloric sphincter to ileocecal junction while the large intestine was measured from caecum to sigmoid colon. Results indicate strong correlation (r=0.827) between colon length and body height from cranial vertex to heel, likely a result of the colon's function in water absorption. This relationship was stronger than the ones among total gut length, small intestine length, and body height. In particular, the weakest correlation was between small intestine length and height (r=0.337), suggesting that the combined lengths of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum are not closely related to body size. Indeed, this measure had the highest coefficient of variation (0.26) while colon length showed the lowest (0.085). Future research will test hypotheses related to population differences in gut length and its physiologic consequences.
Published:
March 31, 2014
Title:
Hunter-gatherer earth ovens in the archaeological record: fundamental concepts
Authors:
Black, Stephen L.; Thoms, Alston V.
Abstract:
Remains of earth ovens with rock heating elements of various sizes and configurations are common at hunter-gatherer sites around the world. They span the last 30,000 years in the Old World and some 10,000 years in the New World. Although various foods were baked in these ovens, plants predominate. Earth ovens are ethnographically well documented as family-size and bulk cooking facilities, but related technology and its archaeological signatures remain poorly understood and understudied. These ubiquitous features are often mischaracterized as generic cooking facilities termed hearths. It is proposed that, in fact, most rock "hearths" are heating elements of earth ovens. Reliable identification and interpretation of earth ovens requires documentation of heating elements, pit structure, rock linings, and various remnants thereof. Fundamental technological concepts for investigating their archaeological signatures include thermodynamics, construction designs, and life cycles in systemic context, as informed by ethnographic, archaeological, and experimental data. Earth oven technology explains well the primary purpose of labor-intensive thermal storage for long-term cooking and conserving fuel. Information from the extensive archaeological record of earth ovens on the Edwards Plateau of south-central North America illustrates these points. Los restos de homos de tierra con elementos de calefacción de roca de varios tamaños y configuraciones son comunes en los sitios de cazadores-recolectores de todo el mundo. Ellos abarcan los últimos 30,000 años en el Viejo Mundo y cerca de 10,000 años en el Nuevo Mundo. Aunque varios alimentos se cuecen en estos hornos, predominan las plantas. Hornos de la tierra están bien documentados etnográficamente como de tamaño familiar y las instalaciones de cocina a granel, pero la tecnología conexa y sus firmas arqueológicos siguen siendo poco conocidos y poco estudiado. Estas características ubicuas son a menudo mal identificados como instalaciones de cocina genéricos denominados hogares. Se propone que, de hecho, la mayoría de los "hogares de roca" son elementos de calentamiento de hornos de tierra. La identificación fiable e interpretación de los hornos de tierra requiere documentación de los elementos de calefacción, la estructura de pozo, revestimientos de piedra, y varios restos de los mismos. Conceptos tecnológicos fundamentales para la investigación de sus firmas arqueológicos incluyen la termodinámica, diseños de construcción, y los ciclos de vida en el contexto sistémico, según se informa en los datos etnográficos, arqueológicos y experimental. Tecnología de horno de la tierra explica bien el objetivo principal de almacenamiento térmico de mano de obra para cocinar a largo plazo y la conservación de combustible. Información del extenso registro arqueológico de hornos de tierra en la Edwards Plateau en el sur-centro de América del Norte ilustra estos puntos.
Published:
March 31, 2014
Title:
Undocumented Immigration Status and Diabetes Care Among Mexican Immigrants In Two Immigration “Sanctuary” Areas
Authors:
Iten, A. Elizabeth; Jacobs, Elizabeth A.; Lahiff, Maureen; Fernández, Alicia
Abstract:
The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between immigration status and the patient experience of health care, diabetes self-management, and clinical outcomes among Mexican immigrants with diabetes receiving health care in two immigration sanctuary cities. We used data from the Immigration, Culture and Health Care study, a cross-sectional survey and medical record study of low-income patients with diabetes recruited from public hospitals and community clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago. Undocumented Mexican, documented Mexican immigrants, and US-born Mexican–Americans’ health care experiences, diabetes self-management, and clinical outcomes were compared using multivariate linear and logistic regressions. We found no significant differences in reports of physician communication, or in measures of diabetes management between undocumented and documented immigrants. All three groups had similar clinical outcomes in glycemic, systolic blood pressure, and lipid control. These results indicate that, at least in some settings, undocumented Mexican immigrants with diabetes can achieve similar clinical outcomes and report similar health care experiences as documented immigrants and US-born Mexican–Americans.
Published:
March 31, 2014
Title:
Prostate cancer-derived CCN3 induces M2 macrophage infiltration and contributes to angiogenesis in prostate cancer microenvironment
Authors:
Chen, Po-Chun; Cheng, Hsu-Chen; Wang, John; Wang, Shin-Wei; Tai, Huai-Ching; Lin, Chiao-Wen; Tang, Chih-Hsin
Abstract:
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are M2-polarized macrophages that infiltrate the tumor microenvironment and promote tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms by which TAMs modulate prostate cancer (PCa) growth are poorly understood. Here, we found that expression of Nephroblastoma Overexpressed (NOV/CCN3) is upregulated in PCa cells and correlated with M2 macrophage infiltration. RAW264.7 macrophage migration was induced by conditioned media (CM) from various PCa cells in proportion to the cellular level of CCN3 expression and was inhibited by an anti-CCN3 neutralizing antibody. CCN3 and PCaCM treatment skewed RAW264.7 cell differentiation from an M1 phenotype to an M2 phenotype. PCa-derived CCN3 induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Akt/NF-κB signaling in RAW264.7 cells, which resulted in VEGF expression and subsequently increased tube formation in endothelial progenitor cells. Finally, PCa-secreted CCN3 stimulated RAW264.7 cells and promoted angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM), and increased tumor growth and tumor-associated angiogenesis in a PCa xenograft mouse model. Our results indicate that PCa-secreted CCN3 can recruit macrophages and skew their differentiation to an M2 phenotype. In turn, CCN3-stimulated macrophages contribute to VEGF-dependent angiogenesis. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which TAMs enhance PCa angiogenesis and identifies a potential therapeutic target for PCa.
Published:
March 29, 2014
Title:
Interactive effects of an isocaloric high-protein diet and resistance exercise on body composition, ghrelin, and metabolic and hormonal parameters in untrained young men: A randomized clinical trial
Authors:
Kim, Hyun Ho; Kim, Yun Jin; Lee, Sang Yeoup; Jeong, Dong Wook; Lee, Jeong Gyu; Yi, Yu Hyone; Cho, Young Hye; Choi, Eun Jung; Kim, Hyun Jun
Abstract:
AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The interactive effects of resistance training and dietary protein on hormonal responses in adults are not clear and remain controversial. We tested the effect of an isocaloric high-protein diet on body composition, ghrelin, and metabolic and hormonal parameters during a 12-week resistance training program in untrained healthy young men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We randomized 18 healthy young men to a standard diet (ST group) or an isocaloric high protein diet (HP group). Both groups participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program. We measured body composition, lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices, total ghrelin, and exercise-related hormones at baseline and 12 weeks. RESULTS: In the HP group, lean body mass (LBM), total ghrelin, growth hormone, testosterone and cortisol levels showed an increase, whereas body fat percentage and HOMA-IR showed a decrease at 12 weeks, compared with baseline (P ≤ 0.05). In the ST group, no changes in these parameters were observed during the 12-week period. During the 12-week period, significant differences in the pattern of change of LBM (P = 0.032), total ghrelin (P = 0.037), HOMA-IR (P = 0.040) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.011) over time were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that an isocaloric high-protein diet can ameliorate body composition, metabolic profiles and energy metabolism during a 12-week scheduled resistance training program in untrained healthy young men. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT01714700).
Published:
March 22, 2014
Title:
Islamic fasting and multiple sclerosis
Authors:
Jahromi, Soodeh Razeghi; Sahraian, Mohammad Ali; Ashtari, Fereshteh; Ayromlou, Hormoz; Etemadifar, Massoud; Ghaffarpour, Majid; Mohammadianinejad, Ehsan; Nafissi, Shahriar; Nickseresht, Alireza; Shaygannejad, Vahid; Togha, Mansoreh; Torabi, Hamid Reza; Ziaie, Shadi
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Month-long daytime Ramadan fasting pose s major challenges to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Muslim countries. Physicians should have practical knowledge on the implications of fasting on MS. We present a summary of database searches (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed) and a mini-symposium on Ramadan fasting and MS. In this symposium, we aimed to review the effect of fasting on MS and suggest practical guidelines on management. DISCUSSION: In general, fasting is possible for most stable patients. Appropriate amendment of drug regimens, careful monitoring of symptoms, as well as providing patients with available evidence on fasting and MS are important parts of management. Evidence from experimental studies suggests that calorie restriction before disease induction reduces inflammation and subsequent demyelination and attenuates disease severity. Fasting does not appear to have unfavorable effects on disease course in patients with mild disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤3). Most experts believed that during fasting (especially in summer), some MS symptoms (fatigue, fatigue perception, dizziness, spasticity, cognitive problems, weakness, vision, balance, gait) might worsen but return to normal levels during feasting. There was a general consensus that fasting is not safe for patients: on high doses of anti-convulsants, anti-spastics, and corticosteroids; with coagulopathy or active disease; during attacks; with EDSS score ≥7. SUMMARY: These data suggest that MS patients should have tailored care. Fasting in MS patients is a challenge that is directly associated with the spiritual belief of the patient.
Published:
March 21, 2014
Title:
Association of Dietary, Circulating, and Supplement Fatty Acids With Coronary Risk
Authors:
Chowdhury, Rajiv; Warnakula, Samantha; Kunutsor, Setor; Crowe, Francesca; Ward, Heather A.; Johnson, Laura; Franco, Oscar H.; Butterworth, Adam S.; Forouhi, Nita G.; Thompson, Simon G.; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Mozaffarian, Dariush; Danesh, John; Di Angelantonio, Emanuele
Abstract:
Published:
March 17, 2014
Title:
Diet of ancient Egyptians inferred from stable isotope systematics
Authors:
Touzeau, Alexandra; Amiot, Romain; Blichert-Toft, Janne; Flandrois, Jean-Pierre; Fourel, François; Grossi, Vincent; Martineau, François; Richardin, Pascale; Lécuyer, Christophe
Abstract:
1 C was measured in tooth enamel and bone of Ancient Egyptians 2 C remains largely constant from 5500 to 2000 BP and indicates very low C4-intake 3 N of mummy hair is indicative of aridity and not of trophic level 4 C of hair indicates < 50% of dietary protein came from animals 5 Sulfur isotopes suggest that fish, such as the Nile Perch, was not regularly consumed Abstract – Carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope compositions were measured in hard and soft tissues from Egyptian mummies of humans and animals in order to track the diet of ancient Egyptians from 5,500 to 1,500 years B.P. The carbon isotope ratios of bone apatite ( 13Cbo = -14.3±0.9‰) and hair protein ( 13Ch = -19.9‰) are compatible with a diet based almost exclusively on C3–derived food (proportion of C4
Published:
March 13, 2014
Title:
Effect of salmon consumption during pregnancy on maternal and infant faecal microbiota, secretory IgA and calprotectin
Authors:
Urwin, Heidi J.; Miles, Elizabeth A.; Noakes, Paul S.; Kremmyda, Lefkothea-Stella; Vlachava, Maria; Diaper, Norma D.; Godfrey, Keith M.; Calder, Philip C.; Vulevic, Jelena; Yaqoob, Parveen
Abstract:
The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of the immune and gastrointestinal systems of infants. In the present study, we investigated whether increased salmon consumption during pregnancy, maternal weight gain during pregnancy or mode of infant feeding alter the markers of gut immune defence and inflammation. Women (n 123) who rarely ate oily fish were randomly assigned to continue consuming their habitual diet or to consume two 150 g portions of farmed salmon per week from 20 weeks of pregnancy to delivery. Faecal samples were collected from the mothers (n 75) at 38 weeks of gestation and from their infants (n 38) on days 7, 14, 28 and 84 post-partum. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation was used to determine faecal microbiota composition and ELISA to measure faecal secretory IgA (sIgA) and calprotectin concentrations. There was no effect of salmon consumption on maternal faecal microbiota or on maternal or infant faecal sIgA and calprotectin concentrations. The degree of weight gain influenced maternal faecal microbiota, and the mode of infant feeding influenced infant faecal microbiota. Faecal samples collected from infants in the salmon group tended to have lower bacterial counts of the Atopobium cluster compared with those collected from infants in the control group (P=0·097). This difference was significant in the formula-fed infants (P
Published:
March 13, 2014
Title:
Low Protein Intake Is Associated with a Major Reduction in IGF-1, Cancer, and Overall Mortality in the 65 and Younger but Not Older Population
Authors:
Levine, Morgan E.; Suarez, Jorge A.; Brandhorst, Sebastian; Balasubramanian, Priya; Cheng, Chia-Wei; Madia, Federica; Fontana, Luigi; Mirisola, Mario G.; Guevara-Aguirre, Jaime; Wan, Junxiang; Passarino, Giuseppe; Kennedy, Brian K.; Wei, Min; Cohen, Pinchas; Crimmins, Eileen M.; Longo, Valter D.
Abstract:
Published:
March 3, 2014
Title:
Disability in patients with multiple sclerosis: Influence of insulin resistance, adiposity, and oxidative stress
Authors:
Oliveira, Sayonara Rangel; Colado Simão, Andréa Name; Kallaur, Ana Paula; Delicato de Almeida, Elaine Regina; Morimoto, Helena Kaminami; Lopes, Josiane; Dichi, Isaias; Kaimen-Maciel, Damácio Ramon; Vissoci Reiche, Edna Maria
Abstract:
Objective The aims of the present study were to report the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); to verify differences in metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress in patients with MS with or without IR; and to assess if IR and adiposity are associated with disability in these patients. Methods The study enrolled 110 patients with MS and 175 healthy individuals. Patients with MS were divided in those with IR (n = 44) and those without (n = 66). Metabolic and inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and disability were evaluated by the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results IR prevalence was verified in 40% of the patients with MS and in 21.1% of the control group (odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.469–4.210; P = 0.0006). Patients with the disease and IR showed higher EDSS (P = 0.031), interleukin (IL)-6 (P = 0.028), IL-17 (P = 0.006), oxidative stress evaluated by tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminescence (P = 0.029), and advanced oxidation protein products (P = 0.025) than those patients without IR. The multivariate analysis showed that disability was associated with IR evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.030) and adiposity evaluated by waist circumference (P = 0.0179) and body mass index (P = 0.0033). Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate an increase IR prevalence and the association between IR and adiposity with disability assessed by EDSS in patients with MS. IR seems to be associated with chronic inflammatory process and oxidative stress in patients with MS. More studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which IR and adiposity could contribute to the progression and disability in patients with MS.
Published:
February 28, 2014
Title:
Ketogenic diet for adults in super-refractory status epilepticus
Authors:
Thakur, Kiran T.; Probasco, John C.; Hocker, Sara E.; Roehl, Kelly; Henry, Bobbie; Kossoff, Eric H.; Kaplan, Peter W.; Geocadin, Romergryko G.; Hartman, Adam L.; Venkatesan, Arun; Cervenka, Mackenzie C.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case series of adult patients in the intensive care unit in super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE; refractory status lasting 24 hours or more despite appropriate anesthetic treatment) who received treatment with the ketogenic diet (KD). METHODS: We performed a retrospective case review at 4 medical centers of adult patients with SRSE treated with the KD. Data collected included demographic features, clinical presentation, diagnosis, EEG data, anticonvulsant treatment, and timing and duration of the KD. Primary outcome measures were resolution of status epilepticus (SE) after initiation of KD and ability to wean from anesthetic agents. RESULTS: Ten adult patients at 4 medical centers were started on the KD for SRSE. The median age was 33 years (interquartile range [IQR] 21), 4 patients (40%) were male, and 7 (70%) had encephalitis. The median duration of SE before initiation of KD was 21.5 days (IQR 28) and the median number of antiepileptic medications used before initiation of KD was 7 (IQR 7). Ninety percent of patients achieved ketosis, and SE ceased in all patients achieving ketosis in a median of 3 days (IQR 8). Three patients had minor complications of the KD including transient acidosis and hypertriglyceridemia and 2 patients ultimately died of causes unrelated to the KD. CONCLUSION: We describe treatment of critically ill adult patients with SRSE with the KD, with 90% of patients achieving resolution of SE. Prospective trials are warranted to examine the efficacy of the KD in adults with refractory SE. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for intensive care unit patients with refractory SE, a KD leads to resolution of the SE.
Published:
February 24, 2014
Title:
Ketogenic diet for obesity: friend or foe?
Authors:
Paoli, Antonio
Abstract:
Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and is a strong risk factor for a number of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and also certain types of cancers. Despite the constant recommendations of health care organizations regarding the importance of weight control, this goal often fails. Genetic predisposition in combination with inactive lifestyles and high caloric intake leads to excessive weight gain. Even though there may be agreement about the concept that lifestyle changes affecting dietary habits and physical activity are essential to promote weight loss and weight control, the ideal amount and type of exercise and also the ideal diet are still under debate. For many years, nutritional intervention studies have been focused on reducing dietary fat with little positive results over the long-term. One of the most studied strategies in the recent years for weight loss is the ketogenic diet. Many studies have shown that this kind of nutritional approach has a solid physiological and biochemical basis and is able to induce effective weight loss along with improvement in several cardiovascular risk parameters. This review discusses the physiological basis of ketogenic diets and the rationale for their use in obesity, discussing the strengths and the weaknesses of these diets together with cautions that should be used in obese patients.
Published:
February 18, 2014
Title:
A critical re-evaluation of bone surface modification models for inferring fossil hominin and carnivore interactions through a multivariate approach: Application to the FLK Zinj archaeofaunal assemblage (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)
Authors:
Domínguez-Rodrigo, Manuel; Bunn, Henry T.; Yravedra, José
Abstract:
Over the past three decades, controversial interpretations of the behavioral meaning of bone surface modifications at FLK Zinj regarding primary or secondary access to carcasses by hominins have stemmed from the independent use of mark types (cut, percussion, and tooth marks) to evaluate opposing models. Such controversy has also been based on an over-reliance on tooth mark frequencies (mostly generated by non-hominin carnivores), which have been documented to be high when hyenids are primary bone modifiers, low when felids have primary access to carcasses, and high when suids feed primarily or secondarily on carcass parts. In addition, it has also been argued that the frequency of tooth marks on the FLK Zinj bones has been overidentified by some researchers, by mistaking tooth marks with biochemical marks created by plant roots. Some methodological approaches have hampered the use of cut marks to identify hominin behavior. Most of the reasons for purported equifinality of experimental scenarios are strictly methodological and are also caused by the separate rather than joint analysis of mark types. In the present work, for the first time cut marks, tooth marks, and percussion marks will be jointly analyzed, both experimentally and at FLK Zinj. Primary and secondary access to carcasses by hominins yields different frequency associations of all of these marks, which can be diagnostic of the type of access. Such mark-type relationships can only be detected when all mark types are analyzed simultaneously and not as separate sets. This multivariate approach provides a robust interpretation of primary access to carcasses by hominins at FLK Zinj.
Published:
February 15, 2014
Title:
Enhanced detection of metastatic prostate cancer cells in human plasma with lipid bodies staining
Authors:
Mitra, Ranjana; Goodman, Oscar B.; Le, Thuc T.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Reprogramming of energy metabolism of malignant cancer cells confers competitive advantage in growth environments with limited resources. However, not every process of cancer development is associated with competition for resources. During hematogenous transport, cancer cells are exposed to high levels of oxygen and nutrients. Does energy metabolism of cancer cells change as a function of exposure to the bloodstream? Could such changes be exploited to improve the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC)? These questions have clinical significance, but have not yet been sufficiently examined. METHODS: The energy metabolism was examined as a function of incubation in nutrient-rich plasma in prostate metastatic cancer cells LNCaP and non-transformed prostate epithelial cells RWPE1. Uptake kinetics of a fluorescent glucose analog (2-NBD) and lipophilic dyes (DiD & Bodipy) were measured in both cell lines, as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). RESULTS: LNCaP cells exhibited hyper-acetylation of low molecular weight proteins compared to RWPE1 cells. Following plasma incubation, protein lysine acetylation profile was unchanged for LNCaP cells while significantly altered for RWPE1 cells. O-linked glycosylated protein profiles were different between LNCaP and RWPE1 cells and varied in both cell lines with plasma incubation. Maximal respiration or glycolytic capacities was unchanged in LNCaP cells and impaired in RWPE1 cells following plasma incubation. However, the uptake rates of 2-NBD and DiD were insufficient for discrimination of LNCaP, or RWPE1 cells from PBMC. On the other hand, both RWPE1 and LNCaP cells exhibited intracellular lipid bodies following plasma incubation; whereas, PBMC did not. The presence of lipid bodies in LNCaP cells permitted retention of Bodipy dye and allowed discrimination of LNCaP cells from PBMC with flow cytometry. CONCLUSIONS: Despite clear differences in energy metabolism, metastatic prostate cancer cells could not be efficiently distinguished from non-transformed prostate epithelial cells using fluorescent glucose or lipid uptake kinetics. However, metastatic prostate cancer cells in plasma could be clearly distinguished from blood nucleated cells due to the presence of intracellular lipid bodies. Fluorescent labeling of lipid bodies permitted a simple and sensitive means for high throughput detection of metastatic prostate cancer cells in human plasma.
Published:
February 14, 2014
Title:
Why Nutrition Is So Confusing
Authors:
Taubes, Gary
Abstract:
We haven’t done the studies that would clarify what it takes to be lean and healthy.
Published:
February 7, 2014
Title:
Nutrition and Health – The Association between Eating Behavior and Various Health Parameters: A Matched Sample Study
Authors:
Burkert, Nathalie T.; Muckenhuber, Johanna; Großschädl, Franziska; Rásky, Éva; Freidl, Wolfgang
Abstract:
Population-based studies have consistently shown that our diet has an influence on health. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze differences between different dietary habit groups in terms of health-related variables. The sample used for this cross-sectional study was taken from the Austrian Health Interview Survey AT-HIS 2006/07. In a first step, subjects were matched according to their age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES). After matching, the total number of subjects included in the analysis was 1320 (N = 330 for each form of diet – vegetarian, carnivorous diet rich in fruits and vegetables, carnivorous diet less rich in meat, and carnivorous diet rich in meat). Analyses of variance were conducted controlling for lifestyle factors in the following domains: health (self-assessed health, impairment, number of chronic conditions, vascular risk), health care (medical treatment, vaccinations, preventive check-ups), and quality of life. In addition, differences concerning the presence of 18 chronic conditions were analyzed by means of Chi-square tests. Overall, 76.4% of all subjects were female. 40.0% of the individuals were younger than 30 years, 35.4% between 30 and 49 years, and 24.0% older than 50 years. 30.3% of the subjects had a low SES, 48.8% a middle one, and 20.9% had a high SES. Our results revealed that a vegetarian diet is related to a lower BMI and less frequent alcohol consumption. Moreover, our results showed that a vegetarian diet is associated with poorer health (higher incidences of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders), a higher need for health care, and poorer quality of life. Therefore, public health programs are needed in order to reduce the health risk due to nutritional factors.
Published:
February 6, 2014
Title:
Red meat and processed meat consumption and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis
Authors:
Larsson, Susanna C.; Orsini, Nicola
Abstract:
High consumption of red meat and processed meat has been associated with increased risk of several chronic diseases. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from prospective studies on red meat and processed meat consumption in relationship to all-cause mortality. Pertinent studies were identified by searching PubMed through May 2013 and by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved articles. Prospective studies that reported relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the association of red meat or processed meat consumption with all-cause mortality were eligible. Study-specific results were combined by using a random-effects model. Nine prospective studies were included in the meta-analysis. The summary relative risks of all-cause mortality for the highest versus the lowest category of consumption were 1.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98, 1.22; n = 6 studies) for unprocessed red meat, 1.23 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.28; n = 6 studies) for processed meat, and 1.29 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.35; n = 5 studies) for total red meat. In a dose-response meta-analysis, consumption of processed meat and total red meat, but not unprocessed red meat, was statistically significantly positively associated with all-cause mortality in a nonlinear fashion. These results indicate that high consumption of red meat, especially processed meat, may increase all-cause mortality.
Published:
January 31, 2014
Title:
The cardiometabolic consequences of replacing saturated fats with carbohydrates or Ω-6 polyunsaturated fats: Do the dietary guidelines have it wrong?
Authors:
DiNicolantonio, James J.
Abstract:
A recent publication by Malhotra1 was refreshing, inspiring and hit on an important topic that has been heavily debated for over 50 years, that is, are saturated fats as bad as we have been led to believe? The vilification of saturated fat by Keys2 began two decades before the seven countries study, where Keys showed a curvilinear association between fat calories as a percentage of total calories and death from degenerative heart disease from six countries. However, he excluded data from 16 countries that did not fit his hypothesis. Indeed, data were available at the time from 22 countries, and when all countries were looked at the association was greatly diminished.3 Furthermore, no association existed between dietary fat and mortality from all causes of death.3 Thus, past data promoted by Keys showing that an increased percentage of fat calories consumed increases the risk of death are not valid (and certainly could never have proved causation). These data seemingly lead us down the wrong “dietary-road” for decades to follow, as pointed out by others.4 ,5 The initial Dietary Goals for Americans, published in 1977, proposed increasing carbohydrates and decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet.6 ,7 This stemmed from the belief that since saturated fats increase total cholesterol (a flawed theory to begin with) they must increase the risk of heart disease. Moreover, it was believed that since fat is the most “calorie-dense” of the macronutrients, a reduction in its consumption would lead to a reduction in calories and a subsequent decrease in the incidence of obesity, as well as diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. However, the advice to increase carbohydrate intake seemingly made things worse, with an increase in its consumption (mainly corn syrup) paralleling the increased incidence of diabetes and obesity …
Published:
January 31, 2014
bottom of page