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Title:
Ketone Supplementation: Meeting the Needs of the Brain in an Energy Crisis
Authors:
Poff, Angela M.; Moss, Sara; Soliven, Maricel; D'Agostino, Dominic P.
Abstract:
Diverse neurological disorders are associated with a deficit in brain energy metabolism, often characterized by acute or chronic glucose hypometabolism. Ketones serve as the brain's only significant alternative fuel and can even become the primary fuel in conditions of limited glucose availability. Thus, dietary supplementation with exogenous ketones represents a promising novel therapeutic strategy to help meet the energetic needs of the brain in an energy crisis. Preliminary evidence suggests ketosis induced by exogenous ketones may attenuate damage or improve cognitive and motor performance in neurological conditions such as seizure disorders, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and neurotrauma.
Published:
2021
Title:
Kokumi taste perception is functional in a model carnivore, the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors:
Laffitte, A.; Gibbs, M.; Alvaro, C. Hernangomez de; Addison, J.; Lonsdale, Z. N.; Giribaldi, M. G.; Rossignoli, A.; Vennegeerts, T.; Winnig, M.; Klebansky, B.; Skiles, J.; Logan, D. W.; McGrane, S. J.
Abstract:
Kokumi taste is a well-accepted and characterised taste modality and is described as a sensation of enhancement of sweet, salty, and umami tastes. The Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) has been designated as the putative kokumi taste receptor for humans, ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Large-scale identification of extracellular plant miRNAs in mammals implicates their dietary intake
Authors:
Chen, Xi; Liu, Lu; Chu, Qinjie; Sun, Shuo; Wu, Yixuan; Tong, Zhou; Fang, Weijia; Timko, Michael P.; Fan, Longjiang
Abstract:
Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed to function in cross-kingdom gene regulation. Among these, plant-derived miRNAs of dietary origin have been reported to survive the harsh conditions of the human digestive system, enter the circulatory ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Late Pleistocene South American megafaunal extinctions associated with rise of Fishtail points and human population
Authors:
Prates, Luciano; Perez, S. Ivan
Abstract:
In the 1970s, Paul Martin proposed that big game hunters armed with fluted projectile points colonized the Americas and drove the extinction of megafauna. Around fifty years later, the central role of humans in the extinctions is still strongly debated ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids Enhance the Antiseizure Effects of the Ketogenic Diet in Rats
Authors:
Takeuchi, Fumika; Nishikata, Natsumi; Nishimura, Mai; Nagao, Kenji; Kawamura, Masahito
Abstract:
The classic ketogenic diet (KD) can be used successfully to treat medically refractory epilepsy. However, the KD reduces seizures in 50-70% of patients with medically refractory epilepsy, and its antiseizure effect is limited. In the current study, we developed a new modified KD containing leucine (Leu)-enriched essential amino acids. Compared with a normal KD, the Leu-enriched essential amino acid-supplemented KD did not change the levels of ketosis and glucose but enhanced the inhibition of bicuculline-induced seizure-like bursting in extracellular recordings of acute hippocampal slices from rats. The enhancement of antiseizure effects induced by the addition of Leu-enriched essential amino acids to the KD was almost completely suppressed by a selective antagonist of adenosine A1 receptors or a selective dose of pannexin channel blocker. The addition of Leu-enriched essential amino acids to a normal diet did not induce any antiseizure effects. These findings indicate that the enhancement of the antiseizure effects of the KD is mediated by the pannexin channel-adenosine A1 receptor pathway. We also analyzed amino acid profiles in the plasma and hippocampus. A normal KD altered the levels of many amino acids in both the plasma and hippocampus. The addition of Leu-enriched essential amino acids to a KD further increased and decreased the levels of several amino acids, such as threonine, histidine, and serine, suggesting that altered metabolism and utilization of amino acids may play a role in its antiseizure effects. A KD supplemented with Leu-enriched essential amino acids may be a new therapeutic option for patients with epilepsy, including medically refractory epilepsy.
Published:
2021
Title:
Lipid Oxidation Products on Inflammation-Mediated Hypertension and Atherosclerosis: A Mini Review
Authors:
Leong, Xin-Fang
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis are the common causes of mortality in developed and developing countries. Repeated heating of the dietary oil is a common practice to reduce cost during food preparation. When the cooking oil is heated at high temperatures, production of free radicals augments the oxidative degradation of lipids and depletes the natural antioxidant contents of the cooking oil. Chronic intake of foods prepared using reheated oil could impair antioxidant capacity, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of lipid oxidation products on hypertension and atherosclerosis via inflammatory pathway. In particular, toxic lipid oxidation products such as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal are taken into account. Understanding the signaling pathways underlying the pathology associated with the lipid oxidation-derived aldehydes may be useful to develop therapeutic strategies for the prevention of inflammatory-related cardiovascular complications.
Published:
2021
Title:
Long-Term Glycemic Variability Is Associated With Arterial Stiffness in Chinese Adults
Authors:
Zhang, Yuwen; Wu, Shujing; Li, Mian; Wang, Tiange; Xu, Min; Lu, Jieli; Wang, Shuangyuan; Zhang, Jie; Bi, Yufang; Wang, Weiqing; Ning, Guang; Xu, Yu; Chen, Yuhong
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and arterial stiffness in Chinese adults. Methods: We performed a cohort study involving 2002 Chinese adults with no history of myocardial infarction or stroke. All the participants attended three visits (the baseline visit in 2008, the 2nd visit in 2009 and the 3rd visit in 2013). We used four measures to define the VVV of FPG across the three visits: the standard deviation (SD), the coefficient of variation (CV), the average successive variability (ASV) and the variability independent of the mean (VIM). We used brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) to measure arterial stiffness at the 2nd and the 3rd visits. Results: Compared with the lowest tertile of all the four measurements of VVV of FPG, significantly increased levels of ba-PWV change, ratio of ba-PWV change and the occurrence of the elevated ba-PWV were found in the highest tertile. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing participants in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile of FPG-SD was 1.37 (1.01-1.86) for risks of having elevated ba-PWV, even after adjustment for covariates including the mean FPG. Similar results were found for FPG-CV and FPG-VIM. Conclusion: Greater long-term variability of FPG was associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness, suggesting that the VVV of FPG could be used for an early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Published:
2021
Title:
Low Carbohydrate Dietary Approaches for People with Type 2 Diabetes – A Narrative Review
Authors:
Wheatley, Sean D.; Deakin, Trudi A.; Arjomandkhah, Nicola C.; Hollinrake, Paul B.; Reeves, Trudi E.
Abstract:
Although carbohydrate restriction is not a new approach for the management of Type 2 diabetes, interest in its safety and efficacy has increased significantly in recent years. The purpose of the current narrative review is to summarise the key relevant research and practical considerations in this area, as well as to explore some of the common concerns expressed in relation to the use of such approaches. There is a strong physiological rationale supporting the role of carbohydrate restriction for the management of Type 2 diabetes, and available evidence suggests that low carbohydrate dietary approaches (LCDs) are as effective as, or superior to, other dietary approaches for its management. Importantly, LCDs appear to be more effective than other dietary approaches for facilitating a reduction in the requirement for certain medications, which leads to their effects on other health markers being underestimated. LCDs have also been demonstrated to be an effective method for achieving remission of Type 2 diabetes for some people. The available evidence does not support concerns that LCDs increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, that such approaches increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, or that they are more difficult to adhere to than other dietary approaches. A growing number of organisations support the use of LCDs as a suitable choice for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Published:
2021
Title:
Melatonin Attenuates ox-LDL-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Reducing ER Stress and Inhibiting JNK/Mff Signaling
Authors:
Li, Peng; Xie, Changlian; Zhong, Jiankai; Guo, Zhongzhou; Guo, Kai; Tu, Qiuyun
Abstract:
Endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized by damage to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, is involved in a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Here, we explored whether mitochondrial damage and ER stress are associated with endothelial dysfunction. We also examined whether and how melatonin protects against oxidized low-density lipoprotein- (ox-LDL-) induced damage in endothelial cells. We found that CHOP, GRP78, and PERK expressions, which are indicative of ER stress, increased significantly in response to ox-LDL treatment. ox-LDL also induced mitochondrial dysfunction as evidenced by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mitochondrial ROS levels, and downregulation of mitochondrial protective factors. In addition, ox-LDL inhibited antioxidative processes, as evidenced by decreased antioxidative enzyme activity and reduced Nrf2/HO-1 expression. Melatonin clearly reduced ER stress and promoted mitochondrial function and antioxidative processes in the presence of ox-LDL. Molecular investigation revealed that ox-LDL activated the JNK/Mff signaling pathway, and melatonin blocked this effect. These results demonstrate that ox-LDL induces ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and activates the JNK/Mff signaling pathway, thereby contributing to endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, melatonin inhibited JNK/Mff signaling and sustained ER homeostasis and mitochondrial function, thereby protecting endothelial cells against ox-LDL-induced damage.
Published:
2021
Title:
Metabolic Changes of Hepatocytes in NAFLD
Authors:
Lu, Qianrang; Tian, Xinyao; Wu, Hao; Huang, Jiacheng; Li, Mengxia; Mei, Zhibin; Zhou, Lin; Xie, Haiyang; Zheng, Shusen
Abstract:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often accompanied by systemic metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and obesity. The relationship between NAFLD and systemic metabolic disorders has been well reviewed before, however, ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Mice and Rats Display Different Ventilatory, Hematological, and Metabolic Features of Acclimatization to Hypoxia
Authors:
Arias-Reyes, Christian; Soliz, Jorge; Joseph, Vincent
Abstract:
Phylogeographic studies showed that house mice (Mus musculus) originated in the Himalayan region, while common rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) come from the lowlands of China and India. Accordingly, it has been proposed that its origins gave mice, but not rats, the ability to invade ecological niches at high altitudes (pre-adaptation). This proposal is strongly supported by the fact that house mice are distributed throughout the world, while common rats are practically absent above 2,500 m. Considering that the ability of mammals to colonize high-altitude environments (>2,500 m) is limited by their capability to tolerate reduced oxygen availability, in this work, we hypothesize that divergences in the ventilatory, hematological, and metabolic phenotypes of mice and rats establish during the process of acclimatization to hypoxia (Hx). To test this hypothesis male FVB mice and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to Hx (12% O2) for 0 h (normoxic controls), 6 h, 1, 7, and 21 days. We assessed changes in ventilatory [minute ventilation (VE), respiratory frequency (fR), and tidal volume (VT)], hematological (hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration), and metabolic [whole-body O2 consumption (VO2) and CO2 production (VCO2), and liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) parameters]. Compared to rats, results in mice show increased ventilatory, metabolic, and mitochondrial response. In contrast, rats showed quicker and higher hematological response than mice and only minor ventilatory and metabolic adjustments. Our findings may explain, at least in part, why mice, but not rats, were able to colonize high-altitude habitats.
Published:
2021
Title:
Molecular Evolution of Tooth-Related Genes Provides New Insights into Dietary Adaptations of Mammals
Authors:
Mu, Yuan; Tian, Ran; Xiao, Linlin; Sun, Di; Zhang, Zepeng; Xu, Shixia; Yang, Guang
Abstract:
Mammals have evolved different tooth phenotypes that are hypothesized to be associated with feeding habits. However, the genetic basis for the linkage has not been well explored. In this study, we investigated 13 tooth-related genes, including seven enamel-related ...
Published:
2021
Title:
No limit to maximal lifespan in humans: how to beat a 122-year-old record
Authors:
Blagosklonny, Mikhail V.
Abstract:
Although average human life expectancy is rising, the maximum lifespan is not increasing. Leading demographers claim that human lifespan is fixed at a natural limit around 122 years. However, there is no fixed limit in animals. In animals, anti-aging interventions (dietary restrictions, rapamycin, genetic manipulations) postpone age-related diseases and thus automatically extend maximum lifespan. In humans, anti-aging interventions have not been yet implemented. Instead, by treating individual diseases, medical interventions allow a patient to live longer (despite morbidity), expanding morbidity span. In contrast, slowly aging individuals (centenarians) enter very old age in good health, but, when diseases finally develop, they do not receive thorough medical care and die fast. Although the oldest old die from age-related diseases, death certificates often list "old age", meaning that diseases were not even diagnosed and even less treated. The concept of absolute compression of morbidity is misleading in humans (in truth, there is no other way to compress morbidity as by denying thorough medical care) and false in animals (in truth, anti-aging interventions do not condense morbidity, they postpone it). Anti-aging interventions such as rapamycin may potentially extend both healthspan and maximal lifespan in humans. Combining anti-aging medicine with cutting-edge medical care, regardless of chronological age, will extend maximal lifespan further.
Published:
2021
Title:
Nutritional geometry of female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors:
Uwimbabazi, Moreen; Raubenheimer, David; Tweheyo, Mnason; Basuta, Gilbert I.; Conklin-Brittain, Nancy L.; Wrangham, Richard W.; Rothman, Jessica M.
Abstract:
Primate foraging is influenced by the spatial and temporal distribution of foods, which may facilitate or constrain optimal nutrient intakes. Chimpanzees are frugivorous primates that mainly subsist on ripe fruit that is typically low in available protein (AP) and high in easily digestible carbohydrates. Because chimpanzees prefer ripe fruit and often eat it in large quantities compared with other foods, we hypothesized that protein intake would be tightly regulated while non-protein energy (NPE) would vary with fruit intake. To test this hypothesis, we conducted all-day follows on female chimpanzees, recorded all types of food consumed (i.e., drupes, figs, and non-fruit foods), estimated the nutritional contributions of these foods to daily NPE and AP intake and investigated how the ratio of NPE to AP varied due to changes in the types of foods consumed. Although the proportions of drupes, figs, and non-fruit foods varied in their diets, female chimpanzees maintained a relatively stable intake of AP while intake of NPE varied depending on the daily diet, demonstrating that like other frugivorous primates studied to date, chimpanzees prioritize protein. The mean daily ratio of NPE to AP was 7:1, which is similar to that of other frugivorous primates studied. Our results support the hypothesis that frugivorous animals may generally prioritize AP, while maximizing NPE intake within that constraint, and could shed light on aspects of human dietary evolution.
Published:
2021
Title:
Of herds and societies—Seasonal aspects of Vinča culture herding and land use practices revealed using sequential stable isotope analysis of animal teeth
Authors:
Gillis, Rosalind E.; Bulatović, Jelena; Penezić, Kristina; Spasić, Miloš; Tasić, Nenad N.; Makarewicz, Cheryl A.
Abstract:
Late Neolithic Vinča communities, spread over much of central and northern Balkans during the late sixth to mid-fifth millennium BC and characterised by unusually large and densely population centres, would have required highly organised food ...
Published:
2021
Title:
One Month of Classic Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet Decreases Short Chain Fatty Acids Production in Epileptic Patients
Authors:
Ferraris, Cinzia; Meroni, Erika; Casiraghi, Maria Cristina; Tagliabue, Anna; De Giorgis, Valentina; Erba, Daniela
Abstract:
Ketogenic diet (KD), a high fat and very low carbohydrates diet, is used worldwide for the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy but, due to its composition, it might exert an impact on gut health. Even though data of KD effects on intestinal microbiota changes are recently emerging, its influence on gut environment has been scarcely addressed so far. The aim of this study was to investigate whether one month of KD affects gut environment in epileptic patients, by analyzing short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and fecal water toxicity. A total of 7 patients were enrolled. Stool samples were collected before (T0) and after one month of KD (4:1 ketogenic ratio) (T1). SCFA were determined by GC-FID and fecal water toxicity in Caco-2 cell culture by comet assay. Concentrations of SCFA significantly decreased after KD (p<0.05): in particular, we found a 55% reduction of total SCFA level, 64% reduction of acetate, 33% of propionate and 20% of butyrate (p<0.05). Cytotoxicity of fecal water extracted from stool samples was not significantly altered by diet, while genotoxicity resulted slightly decreased after KD (p
Published:
2021
Title:
Plasma Branched-Chain Amino Acids Are Associated With Greater Fasting and Postprandial Insulin Secretion in Non-diabetic Chinese Adults
Authors:
Ding, Cherlyn; Egli, Leonie; Bosco, Nabil; Sun, Lijuan; Goh, Hui Jen; Yeo, Khung Keong; Yap, Jonathan Jiunn Liang; Actis-Goretta, Lucas; Leow, Melvin Khee-Shing; Magkos, Faidon
Abstract:
Background: Plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are consistently elevated in subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and correlate with insulin resistance. The association of BCAA with insulin secretion and clearance rates has not been adequately described. Objective: To evaluate the relationships between fasting and postprandial plasma BCAA, insulin secretion and insulin clearance. Design: Ninety-five non-diabetic Chinese subjects (43 females) underwent a mixed-meal tolerance test; blood biomarkers including BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) were measured for 6 h. Fasting and postprandial insulin secretion rates (ISR) and insulin clearance were determined by oral minimal modeling of glucose and C-peptide. Results: Fasting and postprandial plasma BCAA correlated strongly with each other (ρ = 0.796, P < 0.001), and both were positively associated with basal ISR (ρ = 0.45/0.36, P < 0.001), total postprandial ISR AUC (ρ = 0.37/0.45, P < 0.001), and negatively with insulin clearance (ρ = -0.29/-0.29, P < 0.01), after adjusting for sex and body mass index. These relationships largely persisted after adjusting further for insulin resistance and postprandial glucose. Compared with subjects in the middle and lowest tertiles for fasting or postprandial plasma BCAA, subjects in the highest tertile had significantly greater postprandial glucose (by 7-10%) and insulin (by 74-98%) concentrations, basal ISRs (by 34-53%), postprandial ISR AUCs (by 41-49%), and lower insulin clearance rates (by 17-22%) (all P
Published:
2021
Title:
Protein and Energy Intake Assessment and Their Association With In-Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors:
Hajimohammadebrahim-Ketabforoush, Melika; Vahdat Shariatpanahi, Zahra; Vahdat Shariatpanahi, Maryam; Shahbazi, Erfan; Shahbazi, Shaahin
Abstract:
Background and Aim: It is partially known that nutritional intake could alleviate proteolysis and course of disease severity in patients with COVID-19; however, not enough data are available in this regard. The present study aimed to assess protein and energy intake and their association with in-hospital mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients.Methods: A total of 126 patients with COVID-19, who were critically ill, ≥5 days and a subset of 111 patients in ICU ≥10 days completed the present prospective observational cohort study.Results: Protein and energy intakes on Day 5 of ICU admission in survivors were 46 and 58% of target values, respectively. These values in non-survivors were 42 and 50% of target values, respectively (p
Published:
2021
Title:
Prurigo Pigmentosa: A Report of Two Patients in Possible Association with Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency Prurigo
Authors:
Güder, Semih; Güder, Hüsna
Abstract:
Prurigo pigmentosa is a rarely seen dermatosis with pruritic reticular erythematous lesions generally located in the midline of the trunk. Its etiology has not yet been fully understood. The lesions were clinically compatible with prurigo pigmentosa in two male patients aged 19 and 22, who were admitted to our outpatient clinic with brown-red itchy spots on their bodies, and both were on a low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet. They were completely cured by dietary change and tetracycline treatment. A low-carbohydrate diet or ketosis is commonly seen with prurigo pigmentosa and the disease may be regressed by diet changes. Ketone bodies are accused in the etiology of prurigo pigmentosa but the disease is not seen in each patient with ketosis. Low carbohydrate intake or ketosis affects fatty acid metabolism. We believe that changes in fatty acid amounts or composition in the skin may probably play a role in the etiopathogenesis of prurigo pigmentosa.
Published:
2021
Title:
Recurrent acute pancreatitis during a ketogenic diet—a case report and literature review
Authors:
Choi, Joseph; Young, Tayler L.; Chartier, Lucas B.
Abstract:
The ketogenic (“keto”) diet has been gaining more attention lately in the medical literature and the lay media as a potentially effective method for weight control and management of type 2 diabetes. Though rare, there have been case reports ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Red and White Meat Intake in Relation to Mental Disorders in Iranian Adults
Authors:
Kazemi, Shiva; Keshteli, Ammar Hassanzadeh; Saneei, Parvane; Afshar, Hamid; Esmaillzadeh, Ahmad; Adibi, Peyman
Abstract:
Background: The association between meat consumption and mental disorders is less investigated in Iranian population. We examined the association between meat consumption and prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in Iranian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 3,362 participants aged 18-55 years old. A dish-based 106-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess usual dietary intake of study population. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), all validated in Iranian population, were applied to collect data on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress, respectively. Results: The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in the study population was 28.6, 13.6, and 22.6%, respectively. After considering potential confounders, individuals in the top quartile of red meat intake had 43% increased risk of depression symptoms [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.09-1.89] compared to those in the first quartile. No significant relation was observed between red meat intake and anxiety or psychological distress symptoms. White meat consumption was not associated with mental disorders. Stratified analysis by sex showed that male participants in the highest quartile of red meat intake had 92% greater risk of depression symptoms (95% CI: 1.17-3.15) than those individuals in the lowest category. Red and white meat intake was not associated with mental disorders in women. In overweight or obese individuals, despite lack of any association between red meat intake and mental disorders, high intake of white meat was associated with a lower odds of psychological distress symptoms (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.99) and a lower risk of depression symptoms (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.45-1.00). In normal-weight participants, those in the highest quartile of red meat intake had greater odds for depression symptoms than those in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.14-2.42). Conclusions: We found that red meat consumption was associated with increased risk of depression symptoms, especially in men, and normal-weight participants. In overweight or obese participants, white meat intake was inversely associated with psychological distress symptoms.
Published:
2021
Title:
Restricting carbohydrates and calories in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the effectiveness of ‘low-carbohydrate’ interventions with differing energy levels
Authors:
Nicholas, Anna P.; Soto-Mota, Adrian; Lambert, Helen; Collins, Adam L.
Abstract:
, There are two proven dietary approaches to shift type 2 diabetes (T2D) into remission: low-energy diets (LEDs) and low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs). These approaches differ in their rationale and application yet both involve carbohydrate restriction, either as an explicit goal or as a consequence of reducing overall energy intake. The aims of this systematic review were to identify, characterise and compare existing clinical trials that utilised ‘low-carbohydrate’ interventions with differing energy intakes. Electronic databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched to identify controlled clinical trials in adults with T2D involving low-carbohydrate intake (defined as <130 g carbohydrate/d) and reporting weight and glycaemic outcomes. The initial database search yielded 809 results, of which fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine out of fifteen studies utilised LCDs with moderate or unrestricted energy intake. Six trials utilised LEDs (
Published:
2021
Title:
Restricting carbohydrates and calories in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the effectiveness of ‘low-carbohydrate’ interventions with differing energy levels
Authors:
Nicholas, Anna P.; Soto-Mota, Adrian; Lambert, Helen; Collins, Adam L.
Abstract:
, There are two proven dietary approaches to shift type 2 diabetes (T2D) into remission: low-energy diets (LEDs) and low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs). These approaches differ in their rationale and application yet both involve carbohydrate restriction, either as an explicit goal or as a consequence of reducing overall energy intake. The aims of this systematic review were to identify, characterise and compare existing clinical trials that utilised ‘low-carbohydrate’ interventions with differing energy intakes. Electronic databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched to identify controlled clinical trials in adults with T2D involving low-carbohydrate intake (defined as <130 g carbohydrate/d) and reporting weight and glycaemic outcomes. The initial database search yielded 809 results, of which fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine out of fifteen studies utilised LCDs with moderate or unrestricted energy intake. Six trials utilised LEDs (
Published:
2021
Title:
Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Xanthelasma Palpebrarum
Authors:
Chen, Hsuan-Wei; Lin, Jung-Chun; Wu, Ying-Hsuen; Chiu, Yi-Lin
Abstract:
Background: Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a sign of hyperlipidemia and is closely linked to atherosclerosis. Since fatty liver shares similar risk factors with atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that patients with XP are also at risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 37 patients with XP were compared with sex- and age-matched controls undergoing general health examination. Moreover, demographic information and lipid profiles were compared. The risk of NAFLD was evaluated using the hepatic steatosis and ZJU indices. In addition, we analyzed publicly available RNA sequencing data from the GSE48452 and GSE61260 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Findings: Patients with XP had higher scores of hepatic steatosis index (37 ± 1.13 vs 32 ± 0.82, p=0.0006) and ZJU index (38.77 ± 1.0 vs 33.88 ± 0.74, p=0.0002). In addition, they had higher levels of lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and fasting glucose. Among patients with fatty liver, individuals presenting with XP showed higher serum levels of total cholesterol (216 ± 10.4 vs 188.9 ± 7.6, p=0.04), fasting glucose (117.1 ± 6.4 vs 98.3 ± 2.4, p=0.002), and low-density lipoprotein (145.1 ± 8.7 vs 115.6 ± 6.4, p=0.009) than those without XP. In gene expression analysis, individuals presenting with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis showed higher Z scores of xanthelasma than those without non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that individuals with XP have a higher risk of progression to NAFLD and develop a more severe dyslipidemia.
Published:
2021
Title:
Robust metabolic transcriptional components in 34,494 patient-derived cancer-related samples and cell lines
Authors:
Leeuwenburgh, V. C.; Urzúa-Traslaviña, C. G.; Bhattacharya, A.; Walvoort, M. T. C.; Jalving, M.; Jong, S. de; Fehrmann, R. S. N.
Abstract:
Patient-derived bulk expression profiles of cancers can provide insight into the transcriptional changes that underlie reprogrammed metabolism in cancer. These profiles represent the average expression pattern of all heterogeneous tumor and non-tumor ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Role of Carnitine in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Other Related Diseases: An Update
Authors:
Li, Na; Zhao, Hui
Abstract:
Carnitine is an amino acid-derived substance that coordinates a wide range of biological processes. Such functions include transport of long-chain fatty acids from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial matrix, regulation of acetyl-CoA/CoA, control of inter-organellar ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Role of the Heart in Lactate Shuttling
Authors:
Brooks, George A.
Abstract:
After almost a century of misunderstanding, it is time to appreciate that lactate shuttling is an important feature of energy flux and metabolic regulation that involves a complex series of metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and cardiac events in vivo. Cell-cell and intracellular lactate shuttles in the heart and between the heart and other tissues fulfill essential purposes of energy substrate production and distribution as well as cell signaling under fully aerobic conditions. Recognition of lactate shuttling came first in studies of physical exercise where the roles of driver (producer) and recipient (consumer) cells and tissues were obvious. One powerful example of cell-cell lactate shuttling was the exchange of carbohydrate energy in the form of lactate between working limb skeletal muscle and the heart. The exchange of mass represented a conservation of mass that required the integration of neuroendocrine, autoregulatory, and cardiovascular systems. Now, with greater scrutiny and recognition of the effect of the cardiac cycle on myocardial blood flow, there brings an appreciation that metabolic fluxes must accommodate to pressure-flow realities within an organ in which they occur. Therefore, the presence of an intra-cardiac lactate shuttle is posited to explain how cardiac mechanics and metabolism are synchronized. Specifically, interruption of blood flow during the isotonic phase of systole is supported by glycolysis and subsequent return of blood flow during diastole allows for recovery sustained by oxidative metabolism.
Published:
2021
Title:
Serum 3-Hydroxybutyrate in Patients with Psychogenic Somatoform Symptoms May Be a Predictor of the Effectiveness of Sertraline and Venlafaxine
Authors:
Saito, Norihiro; Itoga, Masamichi; Minakawa, Satoko; Kayaba, Hiroyuki
Abstract:
Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often used to treat outpatients with psychogenic somatoform symptoms but prove ineffective in some cases. The metabolite 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) is currently attracting attention as a marker of the severity of depression. We investigated whether serum 3HB levels in patients with psychogenic somatoform symptoms can predict the effectiveness of sertraline and venlafaxine. Patients and Methods: Physical and psychiatric problems were assessed in 132 outpatients, and symptomatic response and serum 3HB concentrations were examined before and after treatment with sertraline (50 mg/day) or venlafaxine (75 mg/day). Results: In 30.3% of patients with psychogenic symptoms, serum 3HB was above the upper limit of normal (
Published:
2021
Title:
The Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Inflammatory Arthritis and Cardiovascular Health in Rheumatic Conditions: A Mini Review
Authors:
Ciaffi, Jacopo; Mitselman, Dmitri; Mancarella, Luana; Brusi, Veronica; Lisi, Lucia; Ruscitti, Piero; Cipriani, Paola; Meliconi, Riccardo; Giacomelli, Roberto; Borghi, Claudio; Ursini, Francesco
Abstract:
The principle of ketogenic diet (KD) is restriction of carbohydrates to a maximum of 5-10% of the total daily caloric intake, aiming at shifting body metabolism toward ketone bodies. Different studies suggested promising results of KD to help patients to lose weight, to reduce insulin requirements in diabetes, to supplement cancer protocols, to treat neurological conditions and to optimize control of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, literature about the anti-inflammatory properties of KD in rheumatic diseases is still limited. The beneficial effects of weight loss in patients with inflammatory arthritis can be explained by biomechanical and biochemical factors. Obesity is associated with macrophage activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-6. The clinical effect of KD may be primarily attributed to improvement of insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is associated with an increase of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and leptin. Moreover, reduction of body's adipose tissue and weight loss account for part of the anti-inflammatory effects and for the impact of KD on cardiovascular health. In rheumatoid arthritis, fasting was shown to be effective in reducing disease symptoms, possibly through the production of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the main ketone body. BHB may exert inhibitory effects also on IL-17 and intermittent fasting improved the clinical manifestations of psoriatic arthritis. In ankylosing spondylitis, current literature doesn't allow to draw conclusion about the effects of KD. Future prospective studies will be needed to elucidate the potential beneficial effects of KD on specific domains and clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Published:
2021
Title:
The Hepatic Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) Contributes to the Regulation of Food Anticipation in Mice
Authors:
Martini, Tomaz; Ripperger, Jürgen A.; Chavan, Rohit; Stumpe, Michael; Netzahualcoyotzi, Citlalli; Pellerin, Luc; Albrecht, Urs
Abstract:
Daily recurring events can be predicted by animals based on their internal circadian timing system. However, independently from the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the central pacemaker of the circadian system in mammals, restriction of food access to a particular time of day elicits food anticipatory activity (FAA). This suggests an involvement of other central and/or peripheral clocks as well as metabolic signals in this behavior. One of the metabolic signals that is important for FAA under combined caloric and temporal food restriction is β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB). Here we show that the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (Mct1), which transports ketone bodies such as βOHB across membranes of various cell types, is involved in FAA. In particular, we show that lack of the Mct1 gene in the liver, but not in neuronal or glial cells, reduces FAA in mice. This is associated with a reduction of βOHB levels in the blood. Our observations suggest an important role of ketone bodies and its transporter Mct1 in FAA under caloric and temporal food restriction.
Published:
2021
Title:
The Mechanical Basis of Memory – the MeshCODE Theory
Authors:
Goult, Benjamin T.
Abstract:
One of the major unsolved mysteries of biological science concerns the question of where and in what form information is stored in the brain. I propose that memory is stored in the brain in a mechanically encoded binary format written into the conformations of proteins found in the cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesions that organise each and every synapse. The MeshCODE framework outlined here represents a unifying theory of data storage in animals, providing read-write storage of both dynamic and persistent information in a binary format. Mechanosensitive proteins that contain force-dependent switches can store information persistently, which can be written or updated using small changes in mechanical force. These mechanosensitive proteins, such as talin, scaffold each synapse, creating a meshwork of switches that together form a code, the so-called MeshCODE. Large signalling complexes assemble on these scaffolds as a function of the switch patterns and these complexes would both stabilise the patterns and coordinate synaptic regulators to dynamically tune synaptic activity. Synaptic transmission and action potential spike trains would operate the cytoskeletal machinery to write and update the synaptic MeshCODEs, thereby propagating this coding throughout the organism. Based on established biophysical principles, such a mechanical basis for memory would provide a physical location for data storage in the brain, with the binary patterns, encoded in the information-storing mechanosensitive molecules in the synaptic scaffolds, and the complexes that form on them, representing the physical location of engrams. Furthermore, the conversion and storage of sensory and temporal inputs into a binary format would constitute an addressable read-write memory system, supporting the view of the mind as an organic supercomputer.
Published:
2021
Title:
The Potential Roles of Very Low Calorie, Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diets and Very Low Carbohydrate Diets on the Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors:
Rondanelli, Mariangela; Gasparri, Clara; Peroni, Gabriella; Faliva, Milena Anna; Naso, Maurizio; Perna, Simone; Bazire, Philip; Sajuox, Ignacio; Maugeri, Roberto; Rigon, Chiara
Abstract:
Several studies have described a strong correlation between diet, weight loss, and gut microbiota composition. The aim of this review was to evaluate the potential effects of energy-restricted diets, namely very low calorie diets (VLCDs), very low calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs), and very low carbohydrate diets (VLCarbDs), on the composition of the gut microbiota in humans. We performed a literature search using the following terms (with their abbreviations or acronyms): “very low calorie diet”, “very low calorie ketogenic diet”, “very low carbohydrate diet”, and “gut microbiota”. Our search strategy retrieved nine eligible studies. Overall, VLCDs and VLCarbDs affected the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio in obese patients, leading to a reduction in short-chain fatty acid production by fecal microbiota associated with Clostridial cluster XIVa. This reduction particularly affected Roseburia and Eubacterium rectale, the two most abundant butyrate-producing bacteria in human feces. VLCKDs preserved the core fecal microbiome, but altered the composition of fecal microbial populations in relation to the plasma metabolome and fecal bile acid composition. In particular, VLCKD-induced weight loss resulted in a reduction in E. rectale and Roseburia, an increase in Christensenellaceae and Akkermansia while not all studies show a decrease in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Although very few studies have analyzed the effects of VLCarbDs and VLCDs on gut microbiota, significant diet-induced changes in fecal microbiota composition have been observed. Further studies are needed.
Published:
2021
Title:
The Prospective Association of Dietary Sugar Intake in Adolescence With Risk Markers of Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adulthood
Authors:
Della Corte, Karen A.; Penczynski, Katharina; Kuhnle, Gunter; Perrar, Ines; Herder, Christian; Roden, Michael; Wudy, Stefan A.; Remer, Thomas; Alexy, Ute; Buyken, Anette E.
Abstract:
Purpose: To examine the prospective relevance of dietary sugar intake (based on dietary data as well as urinary excretion data) independent of food source in adolescent years for insulin sensitivity and biomarkers of inflammation in young adulthood. Methods: Overall 254 participants of the DONALD study who had at least two 3-day weighed dietary records for calculating intakes of fructose, glucose, sucrose, total, free and added sugars or at least two complete 24-h urine samples (n=221) for calculating sugar excretion (urinary fructose and urinary fructose+sucrose) in adolescence (females: 9-15 y, males: 10-16 y) and a fasting blood sample in adulthood (18–36 years), were included in multivariable linear regression analyses assessing their prospective associations with adult homeostasis model assessment insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S) and a pro-inflammatory score (based on CRP, IL-6, IL-18, leptin, chemerin, adiponectin). Results: On the dietary intake level, no prospective associations were observed between adolescent fructose, sucrose, glucose, added, free or total sugar intake and adult HOMA2-%S (p>0.01). On the urinary level, however, higher excreted fructose levels were associated with improved adult HOMA2-%S (p=0.008) among females only. No associations were observed between dietary or urinary sugars and the adult pro-inflammatory score (p>0.01). Conclusion: The present study cannot provide support that dietary sugar consumed in adolescence is associated with adult insulin sensitivity. The one potential exception is the moderate dietary consumption of fructose, which showed a beneficial association with adult fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity.
Published:
2021
Title:
The Protective Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on Myocardial Function is Mediated via Sirtuin 3-Regulated Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors:
Yang, Jingxin; Zhang, Yalin; Pan, Yiming; Sun, Can; Liu, Zuwang; Liu, Ning; Fu, Yu; Li, Xiaofeng; Li, Ye; Kong, Juan
Abstract:
Energy substrate imbalance is a major cause of cardiac dysfunction. Vitamin D/vitamin D receptor (VD/VDR) deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiac diseases; however, the exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether vitamin D modulates mitochondrial fatty acid oxidase via sirtuin 3 signaling to protect the myocardium. 1-Alpha-hydroxylase-defficient mice exhibited a high metabolic rate and lower myocardial contractility than wild-type mice. Sirtuin 3 upregulation was detected in high-fat diet-fed mice receiving vitamin D3 compared with that in high-fat diet-fed mice. Both sirtuin 3 blockade and knockout inhibited the VD/VDR-induced downregulation of fatty acid oxidase in myocardial mitochondria. VD/VDR suppressed fatty acid metabolism by upregulating sirtuin 3 and lowering mitochondrial fat uptake, thereby improving myocardial function and balancing energy substrates, rather than by altering fat endocytosis and exocytosis.
Published:
2021
Title:
The influence of low-carbohydrate diets on the metabolic response to androgen-deprivation therapy in prostate cancer
Authors:
Chi, Jen-Tsan; Lin, Pao-Hwa; Tolstikov, Vladimir; Oyekunle, Taofik; Galvan, Gloria C.; Ramirez-Torres, Adela; Chen, Emily Y.; Bussberg, Valerie; Chi, Bo; Greenwood, Bennett; Sarangarajan, Rangaprasad; Narain, Niven R.; Kiebish, Michael A.; Freedland, Stephen J.
Abstract:
Background Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most lethal cancer for men. For metastatic PC, standard first-line treatment is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). While effective, ADT has many metabolic side effects. Previously, we found in serum metabolome analysis that ADT reduced androsterone sulfate, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, acyl-carnitines but increased serum glucose. Since ADT reduced ketogenesis, we speculate that low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) may reverse many ADT-induced metabolic abnormalities in animals and humans. Methods In a multicenter trial of patients with PC initiating ADT randomized to no diet change (control) or LCD, we previously showed that LCD intervention led to significant weight loss, reduced fat mass, improved insulin resistance, and lipid profiles. To determine whether and how LCD affects ADT-induced metabolic changes, we analyzed serum metabolites after 3-, and 6-months of ADT on LCD versus control. Results We found androsterone sulfate was most consistently reduced by ADT and was slightly further reduced in the LCD arm. Contrastingly, LCD intervention increased 3-hydroxybutyric acid and various acyl-carnitines, counteracting their reduction during ADT. LCD also reversed the ADT-reduced lactic acid, alanine, and S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), elevating glycolysis metabolites and alanine. While the degree of androsterone reduction by ADT was strongly correlated with glucose and indole-3-carboxaldehyde, LCD disrupted such correlations. Conclusions Together, LCD intervention significantly reversed many ADT-induced metabolic changes while slightly enhancing androgen reduction. Future research is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether LCD can mitigate ADT-linked comorbidities and possibly delaying disease progression by further lowering androgens.
Published:
2021
Title:
The possible mediatory role of adipokines in the association between low carbohydrate diet and depressive symptoms among overweight and obese women
Authors:
Setayesh, Leila; Ebrahimi, Reyhane; Pooyan, Sara; Yarizadeh, Habib; Rashidbeygi, Elaheh; Badrooj, Negin; Imani, Hossein; Mirzaei, Khadijeh
Abstract:
Previous studies showed the possible association between obesity, dietary pattern, and depressive symptoms. Due to the lack of enough data to confirm the association of obesity and depression in the Middle East, here, we aimed to explore the possible ...
Published:
2021
Title:
The price penalty for red meat substitutes in popular dishes and the diversity in substitution
Authors:
Lemken, Dominic
Abstract:
Life cycle assessments (LCA) often highlight the environmental and health benefits for consumers if western diets substitute red meat. However, the specific trade-off consumer face when asked to substitute a red meat dish is scarcely researched, often neglecting the bouquet of substitution options and/or the price component involved. Four substitution strategies are evaluated within an individually adapted choice based conjoint: the substitution by (1) the same red meat dishes with a halved meat portion size, (2) novel plant-based products that mimic the functionality and taste, (3) authentic plant-based components that just mimic the functionality, and (4) vegetarian dishes that just neglect the meat component if still familiar to consumers. The analysis is executed for three popular red meat dishes to account for consistency across meal scenarios, namely Meatballs, Spaghetti Bolognese and Sausage Buns. The analysis is sensitive to red meat consumption habits to better understand the preferences of consumers that can actually substitute a red meat intake.
Published:
2021
Title:
Toward a bioarchaeology of urbanization: Demography, health, and behavior in cities in the past
Authors:
Betsinger, Tracy K.; DeWitte, Sharon N.
Abstract:
Urbanization is one of the most important settlement shifts in human history and has been the focus of research within bioarchaeology for decades. However, there have been limited attempts to synthesize the results of these studies in order to gain a broader perspective on whether or how urbanization affects the biology, demography, and behavior of humans, and how these potential effects are embodied in the human skeleton. This paper outlines how bioarchaeology is well-suited to examine urbanization in the past, and we provide an overview and examples of three main ways in which urbanization is studied in bioarchaeological research: comparison of (often contemporaneous) urban and rural sites, synchronic studies of the variation that exists within and between urban sites, and investigations of changes that occur within urban sites over time. Studies of urbanization, both within bioarchaeology and in other fields of study, face a number of limitations, including a lack of a consensus regarding what urban and urbanization mean, the assumed dichotomous nature of urban versus rural settlements, the supposition that urbanization is universally bad for people, and the assumption (at least in practice) of homogeneity within urban and rural populations. Bioarchaeologists can address these limitations by utilizing a wide array of data and methods, and the studies described here collectively demonstrate the complex, nuanced, and highly variable effects of urbanization.
Published:
2021
Title:
Treating Diabetes Utilizing a Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting Without Significant Weight Loss: A Case Report
Authors:
Gavidia, Kristen; Kalayjian, Tro
Abstract:
Prediabetes and diabetes are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and is growing in prevalence over the past 50 years to 45% of the population. Current guidelines from the ADA recommends focus on energy balance, portion sizes and weight loss while cautioning that no ideal macronutrient composition has been determined. The guidelines also do not recommend intermittent fasting. In contrast, we report 3 cases of a substantial reduction in A1C without clinically significant weight loss using a unique, patient-centered program that utilizes low carbohydrate diets with intermittent fasting. These results call into question the role of weight reduction in the management of diabetes while highlighting the unique importance of carbohydrate restriction and intermittent fasting. Here, we demonstrate a case series of three patients with a substantial reduction in A1C, and significantly reducing the need for pharmacotherapy without clinically significant weight loss. Although anecdotal, these results call into question the ADA’s emphasis on weight reduction and reduction of energy intake for the management of diabetes.
Published:
2021
Title:
Triglyceride Induced Metabolic Inflammation: Potential Connection of Insulin Resistance and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors:
Liu, Yongjie; Du, Mengyang; Gan, Yuexin; Bao, Shihua; Feng, Liping; Zhang, Jun
Abstract:
The underlying correlative mechanisms between Insulin resistance (IR) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in patients without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remain inconclusive. To investigate the association between triglyceride (TG) levels, lymphocyte subsets, and IR in RPL patients without PCOS and obesity. Eighty-nine subjects with an unexplained RPL, independent of PCOS/obesity were enrolled in this study. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed on each subject with plasma tested for glucose and insulin. The fasting venous blood of all subjects was collected for routine clinical chemistry analysis. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by four-color flow cytometry. As a result, TG levels were significantly elevated in RPL patients with IR compared to those without IR. Pearson linear correlation model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed a significant positive association between TG and HOMA-IR index value. In multiple logistic regression analysis, TG was significantly associated with the risk of hyperinsulinemia and increased CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio which was significantly negatively correlated with disposition index (DI30) and DI120, indicators for insulin sensitivity. In addition, DI30 and DI120 were significantly decreased in the higher CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ group. Our findings showed that the elevated TG and altered immune responses in RPL patients with IR are independent of PCOS and obesity, and could be used as an indicator of IR in RPL patients. These results contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of IR in RPL for potential prevention and therapeutic targets.
Published:
2021
Title:
Update on the Relationship Between Depression and Neuroendocrine Metabolism
Authors:
Qiu, Wenxin; Cai, Xiaodan; Zheng, Chenhui; Qiu, Shumin; Ke, Hanyang; Huang, Yinqiong
Abstract:
Through the past decade of research, the correlation between depression and metabolic diseases has been noticed. More and more studies have confirmed that depression is comorbid with a variety of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Update on the Relationship Between Depression and Neuroendocrine Metabolism
Authors:
Qiu, Wenxin; Cai, Xiaodan; Zheng, Chenhui; Qiu, Shumin; Ke, Hanyang; Huang, Yinqiong
Abstract:
Through the past decade of research, the correlation between depression and metabolic diseases has been noticed. More and more studies have confirmed that depression is comorbid with a variety of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Vitamin D Promotes Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Mitochondrial Health
Authors:
Latham, Christine M.; Brightwell, Camille R.; Keeble, Alexander R.; Munson, Brooke D.; Thomas, Nicholas T.; Zagzoog, Alyaa M.; Fry, Christopher S.; Fry, Jean L.
Abstract:
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of skeletal muscle and bone health. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in muscle, as is CYP27B1, the enzyme that hydroxylates 25(OH)D to its active form, 1,25(OH)D. Furthermore, mounting evidence suggests that vitamin D may play an important role during muscle damage and regeneration. Muscle damage is characterized by compromised muscle fiber architecture, disruption of contractile protein integrity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Muscle regeneration is a complex process that involves restoration of mitochondrial function and activation of satellite cells (SC), the resident skeletal muscle stem cells. VDR expression is strongly upregulated following injury, particularly in central nuclei and SCs in animal models of muscle injury. Mechanistic studies provide some insight into the possible role of vitamin D activity in injured muscle. In vitro and in vivo rodent studies show that vitamin D mitigates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, augments antioxidant capacity, and prevents oxidative stress, a common antagonist in muscle damage. Additionally, VDR knockdown results in decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and ATP production, suggesting that vitamin D is crucial for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity; an important driver of muscle regeneration. Vitamin D regulation of mitochondrial health may also have implications for SC activity and self-renewal capacity, which could further affect muscle regeneration. However, the optimal timing, form and dose of vitamin D, as well as the mechanism by which vitamin D contributes to maintenance and restoration of muscle strength following injury, have not been determined. More research is needed to determine mechanistic action of 1,25(OH)D on mitochondria and SCs, as well as how this action manifests following muscle injury in vivo. Moreover, standardization in vitamin D sufficiency cut-points, time-course study of the efficacy of vitamin D administration, and comparison of multiple analogs of vitamin D are necessary to elucidate the potential of vitamin D as a significant contributor to muscle regeneration following injury. Here we will review the contribution of vitamin D to skeletal muscle regeneration following injury.
Published:
2021
Title:
Whole conversion of agro-industrial wastes rich in galactose-based carbohydrates into lipid using oleaginous yeast Aureobasidium namibiae
Authors:
Wang, Zhi-Peng; Zhang, Xin-Yue; Ma, Yan; Ye, Jing-Run; Jiang, Jing; Wang, Hai-Ying; Chen, Wei
Abstract:
Raw materials composed of easily assimilated monosaccharides have been employed as carbon source for production of microbial lipids. Nevertheless, agro-industrial wastes rich in galactose-based carbohydrates have not been introduced as feedstocks for ...
Published:
2021
Title:
Animal models of naturally occurring stone disease
Authors:
Alford, Ashley; Furrow, Eva; Borofsky, Michael; Lulich, Jody
Abstract:
The prevalence of urolithiasis in humans is increasing worldwide; however, non-surgical treatment and prevention options remain limited despite decades of investigation. Most existing laboratory animal models for urolithiasis rely on highly artificial methods of stone induction and, as a result, might not be fully applicable to the study of natural stone initiation and growth. Animal models that naturally and spontaneously form uroliths are an underused resource in the study of human stone disease and offer many potential opportunities for improving insight into stone pathogenesis. These models include domestic dogs and cats, as well as a variety of other captive and wild species, such as otters, dolphins and ferrets, that form calcium oxalate, struvite, uric acid, cystine and other stone types. Improved collaboration between urologists, basic scientists and veterinarians is warranted to further our understanding of how stones form and to consider possible new preventive and therapeutic treatment options.
Published:
2020-12
Title:
Antioxidant role of L-carnitine in an experimental model of oxidative stress induced by increased fructose consumption
Authors:
Maguiña-Alfaro, Marilin; Suárez-Cunza, Silvia; Salcedo-Valdez, Luis; Soberón-Lozano, María; Carbonel-Villanueva, Kelly; Carrera-Palao, Rosa
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of L-carnitine (LC) on fructose-induced oxidative stress in Holtzman rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was carried out during 56 days, in patients assigned to 4 groups: control, control+LC, fructose and fructose+LC. Patients in the fructose group received treatment during 56 days, and those in the LC groups were treated during the last 28 days. Fructose was given on demand and LC was administered orally at a dose of 500 g/kg/24 h. Lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase activity, free LC and mitochondrial and post-mitochondrial proteins were measured in liver tissue. Glycemia, insulin and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured in blood plasma. We measured insulin concentration and studied the histology of pancreatic tissue. RESULTS: LC treatment showed a decrease (p < 0.05) of MDA when compared to the control group (21.73 ± 5.36 nmol/g tissue vs. 64.46 ± 7.87 nmol/g tissue). Mitochondrial and post-mitochondrial proteins increased (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group; pancreatic insulin also increased when compared to the control (341.8 ± 42.3 μUI/ml vs. 70.1 ± 9.6 μUI/ml, p<0.05). The role of LC against fructose-induced oxidative stress did not show any decrease of MDA, but decreased (p
Published:
2020-12
Title:
Cholesterol transport between red blood cells and lipoproteins contributes to cholesterol metabolism in blood
Authors:
Ohkawa, Ryunosuke; Low, Hann; Mukhamedova, Nigora; Fu, Ying; Lai, Shao-Jui; Sasaoka, Mai; Hara, Ayuko; Yamazaki, Azusa; Kameda, Takahiro; Horiuchi, Yuna; Meikle, Peter J.; Pernes, Gerard; Lancaster, Graeme; Ditiatkovski, Michael; Nestel, Paul; Vaisman, Boris; Sviridov, Denis; Murphy, Andrew; Remaley, Alan T.; Sviridov, Dmitri; Tozuka, Minoru
Abstract:
Lipoproteins play a key role in transport of cholesterol to and from tissues. Recent studies have also demonstrated that red blood cells (RBCs), which carry large quantities of free cholesterol in their membrane, play an important role in reverse cholesterol transport. However, the exact role of RBCs in systemic cholesterol metabolism is poorly understood. RBCs were incubated with autologous plasma or isolated lipoproteins resulting in a significant net amount of cholesterol moved from RBCs to HDL, while cholesterol from LDL moved in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the bi-directional cholesterol transport between RBCs and plasma lipoproteins was saturable and temperature-, energy-, and time-dependent, consistent with an active process. We did not find LDLR, ABCG1, or scavenger receptor class B type 1 in RBCs but found a substantial amount of ABCA1 mRNA and protein. However, specific cholesterol efflux from RBCs to isolated apoA-I was negligible, and ABCA1 silencing with siRNA or inhibition with vanadate and Probucol did not inhibit the efflux to apoA-I, HDL, or plasma. Cholesterol efflux from and cholesterol uptake by RBCs from Abca1+/+ and Abca1-/- mice were similar, arguing against the role of ABCA1 in cholesterol flux between RBCs and lipoproteins. Bioinformatics analysis identified ABCA7, ABCG5, lipoprotein lipase, and mitochondrial translocator protein as possible candidates that may mediate the cholesterol flux. Together, these results suggest that RBCs actively participate in cholesterol transport in the blood, but the role of cholesterol transporters in RBCs remains uncertain.
Published:
2020-12
Title:
Comparison of Postsurgical Scars Between Vegan and Omnivore Patients
Authors:
Fusano, Marta; Fusano, Isabella; Galimberti, Michela Gianna; Bencini, Matelda; Bencini, Pier Luca
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Postsurgical skin healing can result in different scars types, ranging from a fine line to pathologic scars, in relation to patients' intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Although the role of nutrition in influencing skin healing is known, no previous studies investigated if the vegan diet may affect postsurgical wounds. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare surgical scars between omnivore and vegan patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a prospective observational study. Twenty-one omnivore and 21 vegan patients who underwent surgical excision of a nonmelanoma skin cancer were enrolled. Postsurgical complications and scar quality were evaluated using the modified Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale. RESULTS: Vegans showed a significantly lower mean serum iron level (p < .001) and vitamin B12 (p < .001). Wound diastasis was more frequent in vegans (p = .008). After 6 months, vegan patients had a higher modified SCAR score than omnivores (p < .001), showing the worst scar spread (p < .001), more frequent atrophic scars (p < .001), and worse overall impression (p
Published:
2020-12
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