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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
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
Title:
Creation of a federated database of blood proteins: a powerful new tool for finding and characterizing biomarkers in serum
Authors:
Marshall, John; Bowden, Peter; Schmit, Jean Claude; Betsou, Fay
Abstract:
Protein biomarkers offer major benefits for diagnosis and monitoring of disease processes. Recent advances in protein mass spectrometry make it feasible to use this very sensitive technology to detect and quantify proteins in blood. To explore the potential of blood biomarkers, we conducted a thorough review to evaluate the reliability of data in the literature and to determine the spectrum of proteins reported to exist in blood with a goal of creating a Federated Database of Blood Proteins (FDBP). A unique feature of our approach is the use of a SQL database for all of the peptide data; the power of the SQL database combined with standard informatic algorithms such as BLAST and the statistical analysis system (SAS) allowed the rapid annotation and analysis of the database without the need to create special programs to manage the data. Our mathematical analysis and review shows that in addition to the usual secreted proteins found in blood, there are many reports of intracellular proteins and good agreement on transcription factors, DNA remodelling factors in addition to cellular receptors and their signal transduction enzymes. Overall, we have catalogued about 12,130 proteins identified by at least one unique peptide, and of these 3858 have 3 or more peptide correlations. The FDBP with annotations should facilitate testing blood for specific disease biomarkers.
Published:
January 28, 2014
Title:
Culture Expansion in Low-Glucose Conditions Preserves Chondrocyte Differentiation and Enhances Their Subsequent Capacity to Form Cartilage Tissue in Three-Dimensional Culture
Authors:
Heywood, Hannah K.; Nalesso, Giovanna; Lee, David A.; Dell'Accio, Francesco
Abstract:
Culture conditions that preserve a stable chondrocyte phenotype are desirable in cell-based cartilage repair to maximize efficacy and clinical outcome. This study investigates whether low-glucose conditions will preserve the chondrocyte phenotype during culture expansion. Articular chondrocytes were culture-expanded in media supplemented with either low (1 mM) or high (10 mM) glucose. The metabolic phenotype, reactive oxygen species generation, and mRNA expression of markers of differentiation or catabolism were assessed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction after four population doublings (PDs) and subsequent tissue formation capacity determined using pellet cultures. Continuous monolayer culture was used to determine the population doubling limit. After expansion in monolayer for four PDs, chondrocytes expanded in low-glucose conditions exhibited higher expression of the differentiation markers SOX9 and COL2A1 and reduced expression of the catabolic metalloproteinase matrix metallopeptidase 13. When chondrocytes expanded in low glucose were cultured in micropellets, they consistently generated more cartilaginous extracellular matrix than those expanded in high glucose, as evaluated by wet weight, sulfated glycosaminoglycan content, and hydroxyproline assay for collagen content. The same pattern was observed whether high or low glucose was used during the pellet culture. During expansion, chondrocytes in high-glucose generated 50% more reactive oxygen species than low-glucose conditions, despite a lower dependence on oxidative phosphorylation for energy. Furthermore low-glucose cells exhibited >30% increased population doubling limit. These data suggests that low-glucose expansion conditions better preserve the expression of differentiation markers by chondrocytes and enhance their subsequent capacity to form cartilage in vitro. Therefore, low glucose levels should be considered for the expansion of chondrocytes intended for tissue engineering applications.
Published:
January 27, 2014
Title:
Fasting time and lipid parameters: association with hepatic steatosis--data from a random population sample
Authors:
Gruchot, Martin; Graeter, Tilmann; Oeztuerk, Suemeyra; Haenle, Mark Martin; Koenig, Wolfgang; Imhof, Armin; Boehm, Bernhard Otto; Mason, Richard Andrew; Kratzer, Wolfgang; Akinli, Atilla Serif; EMIL-Study group
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend measuring plasma lipids in fasting patients. Recent studies, however, suggest that variation in plasma lipid concentrations secondary to fasting time may be minimal. Objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of fasting time on plasma lipid concentrations (total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides). A second objective was to determine the effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease exerted on the above-mentioned lipid levels. METHOD: Subjects participating in a population-based cross-sectional study (2,445 subjects; 51.7% females) were questioned at time of phlebotomy regarding duration of pre-phlebotomy fasting. Total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined and correlated with length of fasting. An upper abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed and body-mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Subjects were divided into three groups based on their reported fasting periods of 1-4 h, 4-8 h and > 8 h. After application of the exclusion criteria, a total of 1,195 subjects (52.4% females) were included in the study collective. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. The effects of age, BMI, WHR, alcohol consumption, fasting time and hepatic steatosis on the respective lipid variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: At multivariate analysis, fasting time was associated with elevated triglycerides (p = 0.0047 for 1-4 h and p = 0.0147 for 4-8 h among females; p
Published:
January 21, 2014
Title:
Expression and cell distribution of receptor for advanced glycation end-products in the rat cortex following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors:
Li, Hua; Wu, Wei; Sun, Qing; Liu, Ming; Li, Wei; Zhang, Xiang-sheng; Zhou, Meng-liang; Hang, Chun-hua
Abstract:
Convincing evidence indicates that inflammation contributes to the adverse prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Some pro-inflammatory molecules such as high mobility group protein 1, S100 family of proteins, β-amyloid peptide, and macrophage antigen complex 1 have been involved in the damaging inflammation process following SAH. The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a transmembrane receptor that senses these molecules and plays central role in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to determine the expression and cell distribution of RAGE in the brain cortex after SAH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group and SAH groups at 6h, 12h and on day 1, day 2 and day 3 (n=6 for each subgroup). SAH groups suffered experimental SAH by injection of 0.3ml autologous blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. RAGE expression was measured by Western blot, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Nuclear expression of p65 protein, the major subunit of nuclear factor kappa B, was also detected. Our data demonstrated that the expression levels of RAGE and nuclear p65 protein were both markedly increased after SAH. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the expression of RAGE and that of p65 protein. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that RAGE was expressed by neuron and microglia rather than astrocyte after SAH. These results suggest that RAGE may be directly involved in the inflammatory response after SAH, and there might be important implications for further studies using specific RAGE antagonists to decrease inflammation-mediated brain injury following SAH.
Published:
January 15, 2014
Title:
The Fat from Frozen Mammals Reveals Sources of Essential Fatty Acids Suitable for Palaeolithic and Neolithic Humans
Authors:
Guil-Guerrero, José L.; Tikhonov, Alexei; Rodríguez-García, Ignacio; Protopopov, Albert; Grigoriev, Semyon; Ramos-Bueno, Rebeca P.
Abstract:
The elucidation of the sources of n-3 fatty acids available for the humans in the Upper Palaeolithic and Neolithic is highly relevant in order to ascertain the availability of such nutrients in that time frame as well as to draw useful conclusions about healthy dietary habits for present-day humans. To this end, we have analysed fat from several frozen mammals found in the permafrost of Siberia (Russia). A total of 6 specimens were included in this study: 2 mammoths, i.e. baby female calf called “Lyuba” and a juvenile female called “Yuka”, both specimens approximately from the same time, i.e. Karginian Interstadial (41,000 and 34,000 years BP); two adult horses from the middle Holocene (4,600 and 4,400 years BP); and two bison very close to the Early Holocene (8,200 and 9,300 years BP). All samples were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) and GLC-flame ionization detector (GLC-FID). As demonstrated in this work, the fat of single-stomached mammals often consumed by Palaeolithic/Neolithic hunters contained suitable amounts of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, possibly in quantities sufficient to meet the today's recommended daily intake for good health. Moreover, the results also suggest that mammoths and horses at that time were hibernators.
Published:
January 7, 2014
Title:
Combination Psychotherapy and Antidepressant Medication Treatment for Depression: For Whom, When, and How
Authors:
Craighead, W. Edward; Dunlop, Boadie W.
Abstract:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most frequent and debilitating psychiatric disorders. Efficacious psychotherapy and antidepressant medications have been developed, and two-thirds of depressed patients respond to single-modality treatment; however, only about one-third of patients remit to single-modality treatments with no meaningful differences in outcomes between treatment types. This article describes the major clinical considerations in choosing between single-modality or combination treatments for MDD. A review of the relevant literature and meta-analyses provides suggestions for which treatment to use for which patient and when each treatment or combination should be provided. The review summarizes the moderators of single-modality and combination-treatment outcomes. We describe models of mechanisms of treatment efficacy and discuss recent treatment-specific neurobiological mechanisms of change.
Published:
January 2, 2014
Title:
Earliest evidence for caries and exploitation of starchy plant foods in Pleistocene hunter-gatherers from Morocco
Authors:
Humphrey, Louise T.; Groote, Isabelle De; Morales, Jacob; Barton, Nick; Collcutt, Simon; Ramsey, Christopher Bronk; Bouzouggar, Abdeljalil
Abstract:
Dental caries is an infectious disease that causes tooth decay. The high prevalence of dental caries in recent humans is attributed to more frequent consumption of plant foods rich in fermentable carbohydrates in food-producing societies. The transition from hunting and gathering to food production is associated with a change in the composition of the oral microbiota and broadly coincides with the estimated timing of a demographic expansion in Streptococcus mutans, a causative agent of human dental caries. Here we present evidence linking a high prevalence of caries to reliance on highly cariogenic wild plant foods in Pleistocene hunter-gatherers from North Africa, predating other high caries populations and the first signs of food production by several thousand years. Archaeological deposits at Grotte des Pigeons in Morocco document extensive evidence for human occupation during the Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age (Iberomaurusian), and incorporate numerous human burials representing the earliest known cemetery in the Maghreb. Macrobotanical remains from occupational deposits dated between 15,000 and 13,700 cal B.P. provide evidence for systematic harvesting and processing of edible wild plants, including acorns and pine nuts. Analysis of oral pathology reveals an exceptionally high prevalence of caries (51.2% of teeth in adult dentitions), comparable to modern industrialized populations with a diet high in refined sugars and processed cereals. We infer that increased reliance on wild plants rich in fermentable carbohydrates and changes in food processing caused an early shift toward a disease-associated oral microbiota in this population.
Published:
January 2, 2014
Title:
1TDM sikeres kezelése paleo-ketogén étrenddel: két eset
Authors:
Tóth, Csaba; Clemens, Zsofia; Ferenc, Hajnal
Abstract:
A 1-es típusú diabetes mellitus (1TDM) terápiájában eddig nem tudtunk alkalmazni olyan módszert, ami szükségtelenné tette volna az inzulinpótlást. A betegek terápiáját és gondozását diabetológiai központok végzik. A háziorvosi praxisok ezt nem vállalják. Két 1TDM beteg esetét mutatjuk be, akiknél terápiás módszerként a paleo-ketogén étrendet alkalmaztuk. 1. beteg 1. beteg Diagnózis: a 17 éves fiúnál 2012.03.23-án diagnosztizáltak 1-es típusú cukorbetegséget. Laborparaméterek: a diagnóziskor: glükóz: 15.2 mmol/l, HgA1c: 12.2 %, C-peptid: 1.4 ng/ml. Kezelés: Inzulinbeállítás történt. Napi 26 NE intenzifikált inzulinterápiára állították, napi 5-szöri étkezés mellett napi 250 g CH-ot fogyasztott. Az inzulinterápia mellett 4-7 mmol/l között voltak a vércukorszintjei. Paleo-ketogén étrend: bár a vércukorszintet több hónapon keresztül sikerült normál tartományban tartani, a betegnek fenntartásai voltak a hosszú-távú inzulinkezelés esetleges mellékhatásai miatt. Orvosi követés mellett a fiú 2012. novemberében elkezdte a paleo-ketogén táplálkozást. Azóta jellemzően napi 2-szer étkezik. Az első héten el tudta hagyni az inzulint. Naponta 2-3 szori mérések mellett a vércukurorértékei kiegyenlítettek: 5.2-5.7 mmol/l között mozogtak. Amíg az első 8 hónapban ajánlásunknak megfelelően tartotta az étrendet, vércukor értékei normál tartományban maradtak. 2013. júniusától lazított az étrenden, elkezdett olajos magvakat és "paleokenyeret" fogyasztani. Ebben az időszakban 9-12 mmol/l közötti vércukor-értéket mért. 2013. novembertől visszatért a paleo-ketogén étrendre. Azóta újra 5-7 mmol/l közötti vércukorértékeket mér. 2014.01.13 és 18. között 6 napos szöveti vércukor-monitorozás történt (1. ábra). Ez folyamatosan céltartományban lévő, alacsony, kiegyenlített vércukorszintet mutatott. A beteg jelenleg már 16 hónapja követi a paleo-ketogén étrendet. Mellékhatások nem jelentkeztek. Erőnléte kiváló, versenyszerűen sportol. A paleo-ketogén étrend A paleo-ketogén étrend állati hús-zsír alapú táplálkozást jelent, legalább 2:1 zsír:fehérje aránnyal. A megengedett élelmiszerek: húsok, zsír, belsőségek, hal, tojás. A húsok elsősorban a vörös húsok legyenek. 2. beteg 2. beteg Diagnózis: a 19 éves fiút 2013.nov-ben diagnosztizálták 1-es típusú cukorbetegséggel. Laborparaméterek: a diagnózis felállításának idején laborértékei: glükóz: 12.1 mmol/l (addig mért legmagasabb glükóz: 21 mmol/l), HgA1c: 9.2%, C-peptid: 0.6 ng/ml (normálérték alatti, azaz bétasejtpusztulást jelző érték), GAD elleni antitest: 52 U/ml (pozitív), pancreas-szigetsejt elleni antitest: gyengén pozitív. Tünetei: polydipsia, polyuria, rossz közérzet, fogyás. Előzmény: az 1TDM kialakulása előtt 1 hónapon keresztül izomtömeg-növelő fehérjét (tejfehérje) fogyasztott. Kezelés: Inzulinbeállítás történt. 20 napig volt inzulinterápián. Diabetológiai protokoll szerint naponta 4-szer evett, összesen napi 220 g CH-ot, napi 38 NE inzulinnal. Inzulin adása mellett vércukor-értékei: 3.8-14.8 mmol/l között mozogtak (2. ábra). Paleo-ketogén étrend: 2013.12.20-án orvosi kontroll mellett az étrendváltoztatással egyidejűleg elhagyta az inzulint. Vércukorértékei azóta 3.6-5.6 mmol/l közöttiek (2. ábra). 3. ábra Vércukornapló-részlet paleo-ketogén étrend mellett, inzulinkezelés nélkül
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Chapter 10 - An Improved Understanding of Gut Function through High-Resolution Mapping and Multiscale Computational Modeling of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors:
Angeli, Timothy R.; Paskaranandavadivel, Niranchan; Cheng, Leo K.; Du, Peng
Abstract:
Normal gastrointestinal (GI) motility is fundamental to digestion, with an underlying electrical activity, termed “slow waves,” coordinating motility in much of the GI tract. Until recently, the specific characteristics of normal and abnormal slow wave propagation have remained uncertain, largely because previous research methods have lacked the spatial resolution required to resolve detailed propagation patterns. In response to this problem, high-resolution GI electrical mapping has been recently developed and applied to study slow wave propagation patterns, whereby spatially dense arrays of many electrodes have been simultaneously applied to the stomach and small intestine to define slow wave propagation characteristics in spatiotemporal detail. The subsequent experimental data have greatly improved our understanding of the underlying electrical control of GI motility, and the results have informed the development of multi-scale biophysically-based mathematical models of GI electromechanical activity. This chapter presents the current state of GI high-resolution electrical mapping and corresponding computational modeling, presenting an improved foundation for applying engineering principles to investigate the processes and mechanics of digestion.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Chapter 12 - Dynamics of Gastric Contents During Digestion—Computational and Rheological Considerations
Authors:
Ferrua, M. J.; Xue, Z.; Singh, R. Paul
Abstract:
Underpinned by the delivery of better human health and well-being through food innovation, a new generation of food products aimed at improving bioavailability through the controlled release of nutrients and bioactive compounds has become a leading trend for the global food sector. The efficient design of these novel functional foods requires a better understanding of the physicochemical conditions to which foods are exposed upon ingestion. While the experimental characterization of these conditions has proved difficult, recent advances in medical imaging technologies has facilitated a good improvement in in vivo characterization of the physiological responses of the gastrointestinal tract that trigger and modulate these conditions. This information, together with continuous developments in computational modeling tools, has opened new opportunities to numerically analyze the physicochemical processes underlying food digestion.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
HUMAN NUTRITION | Micronutrients in Meat
Authors:
Mulvihill, B.
Abstract:
Meat and meat products make a valuable contribution to the dietary intakes of a range of minerals and vitamins. Eating meat guarantees an assured source of easily absorbable iron and zinc and provides nearly a third of selenium intakes. Fresh meat is low in sodium, but as a group meat and meat products contribute significantly to sodium intake, which is due to salt added during processing. Meat may play a role in bone health and it is the richest natural source of dietary vitamin D. Meat is an important source of many B vitamins, including thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Impulsivity is associated with uric acid: evidence from humans and mice
Authors:
Sutin, Angelina R.; Cutler, Roy G.; Camandola, Simonetta; Uda, Manuela; Feldman, Neil H.; Cucca, Francesco; Zonderman, Alan B.; Mattson, Mark P.; Ferrucci, Luigi; Schlessinger, David; Terracciano, Antonio
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The ability to control impulses varies greatly, and difficulty with impulse control can have severe consequences; in the extreme, it is the defining feature of many psychiatric disorders. Evidence from disparate lines of research suggests that uric acid is elevated in psychiatric disorders characterized by high impulsivity, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder. The present research tests the hypothesis that impulsivity is associated with higher uric acid in humans and mice. METHODS: Using two longitudinal, nonclinical community samples (total n = 6883), we tested whether there is an association between uric acid and normal variation in trait impulsivity measured with the Revised NEO Personality Inventory. We also examined the effect of uric acid on behavior by comparing wild-type mice, which naturally have low levels of uric acid, with mice genetically modified to accumulate high levels of uric acid. RESULTS: In both human samples, the emotional aspects of trait impulsivity, specifically impulsiveness and excitement seeking, were associated with higher levels of uric acid concurrently and when uric acid was measured 3 to 5 years later. Consistent with the human data, the genetically modified mice displayed significantly more exploratory and novelty-seeking behavior than the wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Higher uric acid was associated with impulsivity in both humans and mice. The identification of biological markers of impulsivity may lead to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in impulsivity and may suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Limitations of Observational Evidence: Implications for Evidence-Based Dietary Recommendations
Authors:
Maki, Kevin C.; Slavin, Joanne L.; Rains, Tia M.; Kris-Etherton, Penny M.
Abstract:
Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the strongest evidence for establishing relations between exposures, including dietary exposures, and health outcomes. However, not all diet and health outcome relations can be practically or ethically evaluated by using RCTs; therefore, many dietary recommendations are supported by evidence primarily from observational data, particularly those from prospective cohort studies. Although such evidence is of critical importance, limitations are often underappreciated by nutrition scientists and policymakers. This editorial review is intended to 1) highlight some of these limitations of observational evidence for diet-disease relations, including imprecise exposure quantification, collinearity among dietary exposures, displacement/substitution effects, healthy/unhealthy consumer bias, residual confounding, and effect modification; and 2) advocate for greater caution in the communication of dietary recommendations for which RCT evidence of clinical event reduction after dietary intervention is not available.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
On the origin of Alzheimer's disease. Trials and tribulations of the amyloid hypothesis
Authors:
Castello, Michael A.; Soriano, Salvador
Abstract:
The amyloid cascade hypothesis, which implicates the amyloid Aβ peptide as the pathological initiator of both familial and sporadic, late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), continues to guide the majority of research. We believe that current evidence does not support the amyloid cascade hypothesis for late onset AD. Instead, we propose that Aβ is a key regulator of brain homeostasis. During AD, while Aβ accumulation may occur in the long term in parallel with disease progression, it does not contribute to primary pathogenesis. This view predicts that amyloid-centric therapies will continue to fail, and that progress in developing successful alternative therapies for AD will be slow until closer attention is paid to understanding the physiological function of Aβ and its precursor protein.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Recurrent tumor of the main bronchus successfully managed with the paleolithic ketogenic diet
Authors:
Tóth, Csaba; Clemens, Zsofia
Abstract:
Introduction Ketogenic diets have repeatedly been suggested to confer anti-tumor effect. In the literature, however, studies reporting on cancer patients who benefit from the ketogenic diet are sparse. Case Report Here we report a case of recurrent bronchial tumor successfully managed with the paleolithic ketogenic diet. Currently the patient is on the paleolithic diet for 10 months. In the first four months she concurrently received chemotherapy but later she was treated with diet alone. The patient reported continuous improvement of her breathing symptoms and imaging data also showed regression of the tumor. The patient strongly adhered to the diet as also assessed by laboratory tests. Currently she is free of lung disease symptoms and no side effects of the diet were noted. Conclusion We conclude that the paleolithic ketogenic diet was effective and safe in this case of recurrent bronchial tumor.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
SPECIES OF MEAT ANIMALS | Game and Exotic Animals
Authors:
Hoffman, L. C.; Cawthorn, D.
Abstract:
An overview is presented describing the characteristics of the meat (game and venison) obtained from various land animals and birds that are not conventionally considered domesticated. The species discussed include those derived from wild harvesting or farming, such as game birds, deer, antelope, kangaroos, rabbits, and wild Suid species, as well as camelids, buffalo, and bison. Physical and chemical meat quality attributes are considered, focusing on carcass characteristics, meat composition, and sensory aspects. Particular emphasis is placed on the meat’s nutritional value, as well as its potential to contribute to food security and the health of a growing population.
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Synthesis – A mosaic of habitation at Zeewijk
Authors:
Theunissen, E.; Beckerman, S.; Brinkhuizen, D.; García-Díaz, Virginia; Kubiak-Martens, Lucy; Nobles, Gary; Oudemans, Tania; Zeiler, Jørn; Brinkkemper, Otto; van der Jagt, Inge; Kleijne, Jos; Lauwerier, Roel; Smit, Bjorn; Gijn, Annelou; Peeters, J.; Raemaekers, D.C.M.
Abstract:
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
The Hunting Behavior and Carnivory of Wild Chimpanzees
Authors:
Newton-Fisher, Nicholas
Abstract:
The pursuit, capture and consumption of small- and medium-sized vertebrates appear to be typical of all chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) populations, although large variation exists. Red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus sp.) appear to be the preferred prey,
Published:
December 31, 2013
Title:
Botany: local vegetation and plant food economy
Authors:
Kubiak-Martens, Lucy
Abstract:
Published:
December 30, 2013
Title:
Psychosocial outcomes of a non-dieting based positive body image community program for overweight adults: a pilot study
Authors:
Bloom, Lisa; Shelton, Beth; Bengough, Melissa; Brennan, Leah
Abstract:
Background The limited success of traditional diet focused obesity interventions has led to the development of alternative non-dieting approaches. The current study evaluated the impact of a community based non-dieting positive body image program for overweight/obese people on a range of psychosocial outcomes. The characteristics of this real-world sample presenting for a non-dieting weight management intervention are also described. Method Overweight and obese participants enrolled in the eight week ‘No More Diets’ (NMD) group program completed self-report questionnaires assessing disordered eating thoughts and behaviours, body image, motivation for exercise and psychopathology pre- and post-treatment. Results Participants (n = 17; 16 female) were aged between 19 and 78 years, with a BMI ranging from 25.2 kg/m2 (Overweight) to 55.9 kg/m2 (Severely Obese). They reported elevated levels of eating disorder pathology, body shape preoccupation, depression, anxiety and stress compared to community norms (p < .05). Following treatment there were significant improvements in reported body shape preoccupation, shape concern and eating attitudes (p .05). Conclusion Individuals presenting for the NMD program demonstrated increased eating disorder pathology and more generalised psychopathology compared to community norms. The NMD program was particularly beneficial for body image and shape concern. Addressing these body image factors may help to address some of the perpetuating factors of obesity and disordered eating, which are often not addressed in the traditional diet-based weight loss interventions.
Published:
December 16, 2013
Title:
Advanced glycation end-products and receptor for advanced glycation end-products expression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and NSIP
Authors:
Kyung, Sun Young; Byun, Kyung Hee; Yoon, Jin Young; Kim, Yu Jin; Lee, Sang Pyo; Park, Jeong-Woong; Lee, Bong Hee; Park, Jong Sook; Jang, An Soo; Park, Choon Sik; Jeong, Sung Hwan
Abstract:
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. AGEs induce excess accumulation of extracellular matrix and expression of profibrotic cytokines. In addition, studies on receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) have shown that the ligand-RAGE interaction activates several intracellular signaling cascades associated with several fibrotic diseases. We investigated the expression of AGEs and RAGE in samples from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Lung tissues and plasma samples from patients with IPF (n=10), NSIP (n=10), and control subjects (n=10) were obtained. Expression of AGEs and RAGE was determined by immunofluorescence assay of lung tissue. Circulating AGEs were measured by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lungs with IPF showed strong expression for both AGEs and RAGE compared to that in NSIP and controls. However, no difference in AGE or RAGE expression was observed in lungs with NSIP compared to that in the controls. Levels of circulating AGEs also increased significantly in lungs of patients with IPF compared to those with NSIP and normal control. Increased AGE-RAGE interaction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IPF.
Published:
December 14, 2013
Title:
Glycolytic ATP Fuels the Plasma Membrane Calcium Pump Critical for Pancreatic Cancer Cell Survival
Authors:
James, Andrew D.; Chan, Anthony; Erice, Oihane; Siriwardena, Ajith K.; Bruce, Jason I. E.
Abstract:
Background: Pancreatic cancer cells exhibit up-regulated glycolysis., Results: Inhibition of glycolysis, but not mitochondrial metabolism, induced ATP depletion, plasma membrane calcium pump (PMCA) inhibition, Ca2+ overload, and cell death., Conclusion: Glycolytic ATP fuels the PMCA in pancreatic cancer., Significance: Glycolytic regulation of the PMCA may represent a novel chemotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancer., Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Cancer cells rapidly proliferate and are resistant to cell death due, in part, to a shift from mitochondrial metabolism to glycolysis. We hypothesized that this shift is important in regulating cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), as the ATP-dependent plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) is critical for maintaining low [Ca2+]i and thus cell survival. The present study aimed to determine the relative contribution of mitochondrial versus glycolytic ATP in fuelling the PMCA in human pancreatic cancer cells. We report that glycolytic inhibition induced profound ATP depletion, PMCA inhibition, [Ca2+]i overload, and cell death in PANC1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells. Conversely, inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism had no effect, suggesting that glycolytic ATP is critical for [Ca2+]i homeostasis and thus survival. Targeting the glycolytic regulation of the PMCA may, therefore, be an effective strategy for selectively killing pancreatic cancer while sparing healthy cells.
Published:
December 12, 2013
Title:
An Unshakable Middle Paleolithic? Trends versus Conservatism in the Predatory Niche and Their Social Ramifications
Authors:
Stiner, Mary C.
Abstract:
The great temporal and geographic span of the Middle Paleolithic (MP) raises many questions about behavioral variation within this period and its evolutionary significance. This paper focuses on MP predator economics and its social ramifications by examining the data for possible trends in the size of the hominin ecological footprint, hunting practices, trophic level, food sharing, and the intensity with which sites were occupied. Middle Paleolithic hominins were big game hunters, and they were rather specialized in their focus on ungulate prey. Low-cost gatherable small prey were a perennial if minor contribution to MP diets at lower latitudes, but the overall breadth of the meat diet remained narrow throughout the period. Discernible trends in the MP are few. Foraging innovations of the MP include marine shellfish exploitation by 120,000 years BP (possibly earlier), galvanization of the prime-age ungulate hunting niche, and hearth-centered domestic camps. The density of zooarchaeological material seems to increase during the last 30,000 years of MP existence, implying mild increases in human populations. Important aspects of carcass processing and meat sharing in the MP do not show much variation but do indicate close cooperation and habitual sharing among group members. Contrasts to late Lower Paleolithic butchery patterns may illuminate more formal patterns of meat sharing in the MP and after. The seeming rigidity of MP hunting economics could have been the secret to its widespread success for 200,000 years.
Published:
November 30, 2013
Title:
Novel aspects of health promoting compounds in meat
Authors:
Young, J. F.; Therkildsen, M.; Ekstrand, B.; Che, B. N.; Larsen, M. K.; Oksbjerg, N.; Stagsted, J.
Abstract:
Meat is an integral part of the human diet. Besides essential amino acids and nutritive factors of high quality and availability, meat provides often overlooked components of importance for human health. These are amino acids and bioactive compounds that may be very important in i) preventing muscle wasting diseases, such as in sarcopenia, ii) reducing food and caloric intake to prevent metabolic syndrome, iii) blood pressure homeostasis via ACE-inhibitory components from connective tissue, and iv) maintaining functional gut environment through meat-derived nucleotides and nucleosides. In addition, meat could be an important source of phytanic acid, conjugated linoleic acids and antioxidants. Further, it becomes increasingly apparent that design of in vitro meat will be possible, and that this development may lead to improved health benefits from commercially viable and sustainable meat products.
Published:
November 30, 2013
Title:
Thyroid Autoantibodies Are Rare in Nonhuman Great Apes and Hypothyroidism Cannot Be Attributed to Thyroid Autoimmunity
Authors:
Aliesky, Holly; Courtney, Cynthia L.; Rapoport, Basil; McLachlan, Sandra M.
Abstract:
The great apes include, in addition to Homo, the genera Pongo (orangutans), Gorilla (gorillas), and Pan, the latter comprising two species, P. troglodytes (chimpanzees) and P. paniscus (bonobos). Adult-onset hypothyroidism was previously reported in 4 individual nonhuman great apes. However, there is scarce information on normal serum thyroid hormone levels and virtually no data for thyroid autoantibodies in these animals. Therefore, we examined thyroid hormone levels and TSH in all nonhuman great ape genera including adults, adolescents, and infants. Because hypothyroidism in humans is commonly the end result of thyroid autoimmunity, we also tested healthy and hypothyroid nonhuman great apes for antibodies to thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and the TSH receptor (TSHR). We established a thyroid hormone and TSH database in orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos (447 individuals). The most striking differences are the greatly reduced free-T4 and free-T3 levels in orangutans and gorillas vs chimpanzees and bonobos, and conversely, elevated TSH levels in gorillas vs Pan species. Antibodies to Tg and TPO were detected in only 2.6% of adult animals vs approximately 10% in humans. No animals with Tg, TPO, or TSHR antibodies exhibited thyroid dysfunction. Conversely, hypothyroid nonhuman great apes lacked thyroid autoantibodies. Moreover, thyroid histology in necropsy tissues was similar in euthyroid and hypothyroid individuals, and lymphocytic infiltration was absent in 2 hypothyroid animals. In conclusion, free T4 and free T3 are lower in orangutans and gorillas vs chimpanzees and bonobos, the closest living human relatives. Moreover, thyroid autoantibodies are rare and hypothyroidism is unrelated to thyroid autoimmunity in nonhuman great apes.
Published:
November 30, 2013
Title:
Vegan diets and hypothyroidism
Authors:
Tonstad, Serena; Nathan, Edward; Oda, Keiji; Fraser, Gary
Abstract:
Diets eliminating animal products have rarely been associated with hypothyroidism but may protect against autoimmune disease. Thus, we investigated whether risk of hypothyroidism was associated with vegetarian compared to omnivorous dietary patterns. The Adventist Health Study-2 was conducted among church members in North America who provided data in a self-administered questionnaire. Hypothyroidism was queried at baseline in 2002 and at follow-up to 2008. Diet was examined as a determinant of prevalent (n = 4237 of 65,981 [6.4%]) and incident cases (1184 of 41,212 [2.9%]) in multivariate logistic regression models, controlled for demographics and salt use. In the prevalence study, in addition to demographic characterstics, overweight and obesity increased the odds (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22-1.42 and 1.78, 95% CI: 1.64-1.93, respectively). Vegan versus omnivorous diets tended to be associated with reduced risk (OR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.78-1.01, not statistically significant) while a lacto-ovo diet was associated with increased risk (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18). In the incidence study, female gender, white ethnicity, higher education and BMI were predictors of hypothyroidism. Following a vegan diet tended to be protective (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59-1.03, not statistically significant). In conclusion, a vegan diet tended to be associated with lower, not higher, risk of hypothyroid disease.
Published:
November 19, 2013
Title:
Factors associated with 24-hour urinary volume: the Swiss salt survey
Authors:
Schoen, Tobias; Blum, Jonas; Paccaud, Fred; Burnier, Michel; Bochud, Murielle; Conen, David; Swiss Survey on Salt investigators
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Low 24-hour urine volume (24 UV) may be a significant risk factor for decline in kidney function. We therefore aimed to study associated markers and possible determinants of 24 UV in a sample of the Swiss population. METHODS: The cross-sectional Swiss Salt Study included a population-based sample of 1535 (746 men and 789 women) individuals from three linguistic regions of Switzerland. Data from 1300 subjects were available for the present analysis. 24 UV was measured using 24-hour urine collection. Determinants of 24 UV were identified using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: In bivariate analysis, 24 UV was higher in women compared to men (2000 ml/24 h [interquartile range (IQR): 1354, 2562] versus 1780 ml/24 h [IQR: 1244, 2360], p = 0.002). In multivariable regression analyses, independent associated markers of 24 UV were female sex (β = 280, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 174, 386, p < 0.0001), fluid intake (β = 604, 95% CI: 539, 670, p < 0.0001), sodium excretion (β = 4.2, 95% CI: 3.4, 4.9, p < 0.0001) age (β = 6.6, CI: 3.4, 9.7, p < .0001), creatinine clearance (β = 2.4, CI: 0.2, 4.6, p = 0.04), living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (β = 124, CI: 29, 219, p = 0.01), alcohol consumption (β = 41, CI: 9, 73, p = 0.01 for increasing categories of alcohol consumption), body mass index (β = -32, CI: -45, -18, p
Published:
November 6, 2013
Title:
Ketogenic Diet Improves Forelimb Motor Function after Spinal Cord Injury in Rodents
Authors:
Streijger, Femke; Plunet, Ward T.; Lee, Jae H. T.; Liu, Jie; Lam, Clarrie K.; Park, Soeyun; Hilton, Brett J.; Fransen, Bas L.; Matheson, Keely A. J.; Assinck, Peggy; Kwon, Brian K.; Tetzlaff, Wolfram
Abstract:
High fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diets (KD) are validated non-pharmacological treatments for some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. Ketones reduce neuronal excitation and promote neuroprotection. Here, we investigated the efficacy of KD as a treatment for acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Starting 4 hours following C5 hemi-contusion injury animals were fed either a standard carbohydrate based diet or a KD formulation with lipid to carbohydrate plus protein ratio of 3:1. The forelimb functional recovery was evaluated for 14 weeks, followed by quantitative histopathology. Post-injury 3:1 KD treatment resulted in increased usage and range of motion of the affected forepaw. Furthermore, KD improved pellet retrieval with recovery of wrist and digit movements. Importantly, after returning to a standard diet after 12 weeks of KD treatment, the improved forelimb function remained stable. Histologically, the spinal cords of KD treated animals displayed smaller lesion areas and more grey matter sparing. In addition, KD treatment increased the number of glucose transporter-1 positive blood vessels in the lesion penumbra and monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT1) expression. Pharmacological inhibition of MCTs with 4-CIN (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate) prevented the KD-induced neuroprotection after SCI, In conclusion, post-injury KD effectively promotes functional recovery and is neuroprotective after cervical SCI. These beneficial effects require the function of monocarboxylate transporters responsible for ketone uptake and link the observed neuroprotection directly to the function of ketones, which are known to exert neuroprotection by multiple mechanisms. Our data suggest that current clinical nutritional guidelines, which include relatively high carbohydrate contents, should be revisited.
Published:
November 3, 2013
Title:
Broad-spectrum cooking: botanical and chemical evidence in Late Neolithic pottery
Authors:
Oudemans, Tania; Kubiak-Martens, Lucy
Abstract:
Published:
October 31, 2013
Title:
Impaired glucose tolerance in rats fed low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets
Authors:
Bielohuby, Maximilian; Sisley, Stephanie; Sandoval, Darleen; Herbach, Nadja; Zengin, Ayse; Fischereder, Michael; Menhofer, Dominik; Stoehr, Barbara J. M.; Stemmer, Kerstin; Wanke, Rüdiger; Tschöp, Matthias H.; Seeley, Randy J.; Bidlingmaier, Martin
Abstract:
Moderate low-carbohydrate/high-fat (LC-HF) diets are widely used to induce weight loss in overweight subjects, whereas extreme ketogenic LC-HF diets are used to treat neurological disorders like pediatric epilepsy. Usage of LC-HF diets for improvement of glucose metabolism is highly controversial; some studies suggest that LC-HF diets ameliorate glucose tolerance, whereas other investigations could not identify positive effects of these diets or reported impaired insulin sensitivity. Here, we investigate the effects of LC-HF diets on glucose and insulin metabolism in a well-characterized animal model. Male rats were fed isoenergetic or hypocaloric amounts of standard control diet, a high-protein "Atkins-style" LC-HF diet, or a low-protein, ketogenic, LC-HF diet. Both LC-HF diets induced lower fasting glucose and insulin levels associated with lower pancreatic β-cell volumes. However, dynamic challenge tests (oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, insulin-tolerance tests, and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps) revealed that LC-HF pair-fed rats exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and impaired hepatic and peripheral tissue insulin sensitivity, the latter potentially being mediated by elevated intramyocellular lipids. Adjusting visceral fat mass in LC-HF groups to that of controls by reducing the intake of LC-HF diets to 80% of the pair-fed groups did not prevent glucose intolerance. Taken together, these data show that lack of dietary carbohydrates leads to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in rats despite causing a reduction in fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. Our results argue against a beneficial effect of LC-HF diets on glucose and insulin metabolism, at least under physiological conditions. Therefore, use of LC-HF diets for weight loss or other therapeutic purposes should be balanced against potentially harmful metabolic side effects.
Published:
October 31, 2013
Title:
New food in old pots – charred organic residues in Early Neolithic ceramic vessels from Swifterbant, the Netherlands (4300-4000 cal BC)
Authors:
Raemaekers, D.C.M.; Kubiak-Martens, Lucy; Oudemans, Tania
Abstract:
Our analyses of ceramics from the Neolithic sites near Swifterbant (prov. Flevoland/NL) suggest two distinctive sub- groups. This study aims to determine whether these subgroups represent functional categories using botanical analysis (scanning electron microscope) and chemical residue analysis (direct temperature-resolved mass spectrometry). We conclude that there are two functional groups. Group 1 pots are used to cook meals without emmer, while group 2 pots are used to cook meals including emmer. It appears that with the introduction of emmer in the cooking process, traditional meals were transferred to a new type of pottery (group 1), while the nouvelle cuisine ended up in the tradi- tional pots (group 2). This case study is strong evidence that the introduction of emmer in the diet of the Swifterbant people was an innovation embedded in meaningful action.
Published:
October 31, 2013
Title:
Tés, Licuados, and Cápsulas: Herbal Self-Care Remedies of Latino/Hispanic Immigrants for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:
Amirehsani, Karen A.; Wallace, Debra C.
Abstract:
PurposeThe purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to explore the characteristics of herbal remedy use for diabetes among Latinos/Hispanics with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA convenience sample of 75 Latino/Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes was recruited from community-based settings in North Carolina. Data were collected through face-to-face bilingual interviews. Measures included a demographic questionnaire; the Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Practices Questionnaire; and biophysical indicators of A1C and body mass index.ResultsSixty-nine percent of the sample reported using herbal remedies for diabetes self-care. Forty-nine herbal products were identified. The most commonly reported products were prickly pear cactus, aloe vera, celery, and chayote. The perceived effectiveness of products varied; some said they helped ?a lot? while others noted the development of side effects. Over three quarters (77%) of persons using herbal remedies reported concurrent use with prescribed medications. Also, some participants reported skipping or altering the dose of diabetes medications when using herbal remedies. Most (77%) reported not disclosing herbal remedy use to health care providers.ConclusionsDiabetes educators and other health care providers need to ask Latino/Hispanic clients about their use of herbal remedies and become knowledgeable about herbal products to provide advice about safety.
Published:
October 31, 2013
Title:
Adiponectin‐Mediated Modulation of Lymphatic Vessel Formation and Lymphedema
Authors:
Shimizu, Yuuki; Shibata, Rei; Ishii, Masakazu; Ohashi, Koji; Kambara, Takahiro; Uemura, Yusuke; Yuasa, Daisuke; Kataoka, Yoshiyuki; Kihara, Shinji; Murohara, Toyoaki; Ouchi, Noriyuki
Abstract:
Background Obesity is linked with an increased risk of lymphedema, which is a serious clinical problem. Adiponectin is a circulating adipokine that is down‐regulated in obese states. We investigated the effects of adiponectin on lymphatic vessel formation in a model of lymphedema and dissected its mechanisms. Methods and Results A mouse model of lymphedema was created via ablation of tail surface lymphatic network. Adiponectin‐knockout mice showed the greater diameter of the injured tail compared with wild‐type mice, which was associated with lower numbers of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Systemic delivery of adiponectin reduced the thickness of the injured tail and enhanced LEC formation in wild‐type and adiponectin‐knockout mice. Adiponectin administration also improved the edema of injured tails in obese KKAy mice. Treatment with adiponectin protein stimulated the differentiation of human LECs into tubelike structures and increased LEC viability. Adiponectin treatment promoted the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase n LECs. Blockade of AMPK or Akt activity abolished adiponectin‐stimulated increase in LEC differentiation and viability and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation. Inhibition of AMPK activation also suppressed adiponectin‐induced Akt phosphorylation in LECs. In contrast, inactivation of Akt signaling had no effects on adiponectin‐mediated AMPK phosphorylation in LECs. Furthermore, adiponectin administration did not affect the thickening of the damaged tail in endothelial nitric oxide synthase–knockout mice. Conclusions Adiponectin can promote lymphatic vessel formation via activation of AMPK/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling within LECs, thereby leading to amelioration of lymphedema.
Published:
October 24, 2013
Title:
Sleep Drives Metabolite Clearance from the Adult Brain
Authors:
Xie, Lulu; Kang, Hongyi; Xu, Qiwu; Chen, Michael J.; Liao, Yonghong; Thiyagarajan, Meenakshisundaram; O’Donnell, John; Christensen, Daniel J.; Nicholson, Charles; Iliff, Jeffrey J.; Takano, Takahiro; Deane, Rashid; Nedergaard, Maiken
Abstract:
The conservation of sleep across all animal species suggests that sleep serves a vital function. We here report that sleep has a critical function in ensuring metabolic homeostasis. Using real-time assessments of tetramethylammonium diffusion and two-photon imaging in live mice, we show that natural sleep or anesthesia are associated with a 60% increase in the interstitial space, resulting in a striking increase in convective exchange of cerebrospinal fluid with interstitial fluid. In turn, convective fluxes of interstitial fluid increased the rate of β-amyloid clearance during sleep. Thus, the restorative function of sleep may be a consequence of the enhanced removal of potentially neurotoxic waste products that accumulate in the awake central nervous system.
Published:
October 17, 2013
Title:
Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor-induced Zn Sequestration Enhances Macrophage Superoxide and Limits Intracellular Pathogen Survival
Authors:
Vignesh, Kavitha Subramanian; Landero Figueroa, Julio A.; Porollo, Aleksey; Caruso, Joseph A.; Deepe, George S.
Abstract:
Macrophages possess numerous mechanisms to combat microbial invasion, including sequestration of essential nutrients, like Zn. The pleiotropic cytokine granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhances antimicrobial defenses against intracellular pathogens such as Histoplasma capsulatum, but its mode of action remains elusive. We have found that GM-CSF activated infected macrophages sequestered labile Zn by inducing binding to metallothioneins (MTs) in a STAT3 and STAT5 transcription factor-dependent manner. GM-CSF upregulated expression of Zn exporters, Slc30a4 and Slc30a7 and the metal was shuttled away from phagosomes and into the Golgi apparatus. This distinctive Zn sequestration strategy elevated phagosomal H+ channel function and triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by NADPH oxidase. Consequently, H. capsulatum was selectively deprived of Zn, thereby halting replication and fostering fungal clearance. GM-CSF mediated Zn sequestration via MTs in vitro and in vivo in mice and in human macrophages. These findings illuminate a GM-CSF-induced Zn-sequestration network that drives phagocyte antimicrobial effector function.
Published:
October 16, 2013
Title:
Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors:
Bueno, Nassib; Vieira de Melo, Ingrid; Lime de Oliveira, Suzana; Rocha Ataide, Terezinha
Abstract:
The role of very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKD) in the long-term management of obesity is not well established. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether individuals assigned to a VLCKD (i.e. a diet with no more than 50 g carbohydrates/d) achieve better long-term body weight and cardiovascular risk factor management when compared with individuals assigned to a conventional low-fat diet (LFD; i.e. a restricted-energy diet with less than 30 % of energy from fat). Through August 2012, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature databases were searched, using no date or language restrictions, for randomised controlled trials that assigned adults to a VLCKD or a LFD, with 12 months or more of follow-up. The primary outcome was body weight. The secondary outcomes were TAG, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HbA1c and C-reactive protein levels. A total of thirteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. In the overall analysis, five outcomes revealed significant results. Individuals assigned to a VLCKD showed decreased body weight (weighted mean difference − 0·91 (95 % CI − 1·65, − 0·17) kg, 1415 patients), TAG (weighted mean difference − 0·18 (95 % CI − 0·27, − 0·08) mmol/l, 1258 patients) and diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference − 1·43 (95 % CI − 2·49, − 0·37) mmHg, 1298 patients) while increased HDL-C (weighted mean difference 0·09 (95 % CI 0·06, 0·12) mmol/l, 1257 patients) and LDL-C (weighted mean difference 0·12 (95 % CI 0·04, 0·2) mmol/l, 1255 patients). Individuals assigned to a VLCKD achieve a greater weight loss than those assigned to a LFD in the long term; hence, a VLCKD may be an alternative tool against obesity.
Published:
October 13, 2013
Title:
Case studies of ketogenic diet success in bipolar disorder: > 2 years long better than medication http://1.usa.gov/15oBaxp
Authors:
Lagakos 🚀, ฿ill
Abstract:
Published:
October 9, 2013
Title:
The Handbook of Food Research
Authors:
Abstract:
The last twenty years have seen a burgeoning of social scientific and historical research on food. The field has drawn in experts to investigate topics such as: the way globalisation affects the food supply; what cookery books can (and cannot) tell us; changing understandings of famine; the social meanings of meals - and many more. Now sufficiently extensive to require a critical overview, this is the first handbook of specially commissioned essays to provide a tour d'horizon of this broad range of topics and disciplines. The editors have enlisted eminent researchers across the social sciences to illustrate the debates, concepts and analytic approaches of this widely diverse and dynamic field. This volume will be essential reading, a ready-to-hand reference book surveying the state of the art for anyone involved in, and actively concerned about research on the social, political, economic, psychological, geographic and historical aspects of food. It will cater for all who need to be informed of research that has been done and that is being done, as well as pointing them towards what should be done and, above all, illustrating what counts as research well done. history.
Published:
October 9, 2013
Title:
Effects of exercise and diet change on cognition function and synaptic plasticity in high fat diet induced obese rats
Authors:
Woo, Jinhee; Shin, Ki Ok; Park, So Young; Jang, Ki Soeng; Kang, Sunghwun
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Nutritional imbalance-induced obesity causes a variety of diseases and in particular is an important cause of cognitive function decline. This study was performed on Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with 13-weeks of high fat diet-induced obesity in connection to the effects of regular exercise and dietary control for 8 weeks on the synaptic plasticity and cognitive abilities of brain. METHODS: Four weeks-old SD rats were adopted classified into normal-normal diet-sedentary (NNS, n = 8), obesity-high fat diet-sedentary (OHS, n = 8), obesity-high fat diet-training (OHT, n = 8), obesity-normal diet-sedentary (ONS, n = 8) and obesity- normal diet-training (ONT, n = 8). The exercise program consisted of a treadmill exercise administered at a speed of 8 m/min for 1-4 weeks, and 14 m/min for 5-8 weeks. The Western blot method was used to measure the expression of NGF, BDNF, p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK proteins in hippocampus of the brain, and expressions of NGF, BDNF, TrkA, TrkB, CREB and synapsin1 mRNA were analyzed through qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The results suggest cognitive function-related protein levels and mRNA expression to be significantly decreased in the hippocampus of obese rats, and synaptic plasticity as well as cognitive function signaling sub-pathway factors were also significantly decreased. In addition, 8-weeks exercises and treatment by dietary change had induced significant increase of cognitive function-related protein levels and mRNA expression as well as synaptic plasticity and cognitive function signaling sub-pathway factors in obese rats. In particular, the combined treatment had presented even more positive effect. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it was determined that the high fat diet-induced obesity decreases plasticity and cognitive function of the brain, but was identified as being improved by exercises and dietary changes. In particular, it is considered that regular exercise has positive effects on memory span and learning capacity unlike dietary control.
Published:
October 7, 2013
Title:
The Vegetarian Crusade: The Rise of an American Reform Movement, 1817-1921
Authors:
Shprintzen, Adam D.
Abstract:
Vegetarianism has been practiced in the United States since the country's founding, yet the early years of the movement have been woefully misunderstood and understudied. Through the Civil War, the vegetarian movement focused on social and political reform, but by the late nineteenth century, the movement became a path for personal strength and success in a newly individualistic, consumption-driven economy. This development led to greater expansion and acceptance of vegetarianism in mainstream society. So argues Adam D. Shprintzen in his lively history of early American vegetarianism and social reform. From Bible Christians to Grahamites, the American Vegetarian Society to the Battle Creek Sanitarium, Shprintzen explores the diverse proponents of reform-motivated vegetarianism and explains how each of these groups used diet as a response to changing social and political conditions. By examining the advocates of vegetarianism, including institutions, organizations, activists, and publications, Shprintzen explores how an idea grew into a nationwide community united not only by diet but also by broader goals of social reform.
Published:
October 6, 2013
Title:
Chronic Hyperinsulinemia Does Not Increase the Production Rate of High-Density Lipoprotein Apolipoprotein AI: Evidence From a Kinetic Study in Patients With Insulinoma
Authors:
Duvillard, L.; Florentin, E.; Pont, F.; Petit, J.-M.; Baillot-Rudoni, S.; Penfornis, A.; Verges, B.
Abstract:
Published:
September 30, 2013
Title:
Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes by Place of Birth in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors:
Oza-Frank, Reena; Chan, Cheeling; Liu, Kiang; Burke, Gregory; Kanaya, Alka M.
Abstract:
Incidence of diabetes among US foreign-born individuals is not well studied. Data were from the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine diabetes risk by race/ethnicity, place of birth, and duration of residence among foreign-born. Foreign-born Latinos had a higher risk of incident diabetes compared to US-born Latinos (hazard ratio (HR) 1.79 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.00–3.21]). Latinos born in Mexico (HR, 2.26 [95 % CI, 1.18–4.33]) had higher risk of incident diabetes compared to US-born Latinos. Foreign-born living in the US ≥20 years had a higher adjusted risk of incident diabetes compared to those in the US for
Published:
September 30, 2013
Title:
Mechanisms linking obesity and cancer
Authors:
Louie, Sharon M.; Roberts, Lindsay S.; Nomura, Daniel K.
Abstract:
The incidence of obesity in US adults has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. Many comorbidities associated with obesity have been well-established such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, more recently an epidemiological relationship between obesity and the prevalence of a variety of cancers has also been uncovered. The shift of the paradigm surrounding white adipose tissue function from purely an energy storage tissue, to one that has both endocrine and metabolic relevance, has led to several mechanisms implicated in how obesity drives cancer prevalence and cancer deaths. Currently, there are four categories into which these mechanisms fall — increased lipids and lipid signaling, inflammatory responses, insulin resistance, and adipokines. In this review, we examine each of these categories and the mechanisms through which they drive cancer pathogenesis. Understanding the relationship(s) between obesity and cancer and especially the nodal points of control in these cascades will be essential in developing effective therapeutics or interventions for combating this deadly combination. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lipid Metabolism in Cancer.
Published:
September 30, 2013
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