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Title:
Vegetarian Diet and Cardiometabolic Risk among Asian Indians in the United States
Authors:
Misra, Ranjita; Balagopal, Padmini; Raj, Sudha; Patel, Thakor G.
Abstract:
Research studies have shown that plant-based diets confer cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits. Asian Indians (AIs) in the US (who have often followed plant-based diets) have elevated risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity suggesting ethnic vulnerability that imply genetic and/or lifestyle causative links. This study explored the association between this ethnic group and diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome after controlling for demographics, acculturation, family history of diabetes, and lifestyle and clinical risk factors. The sample comprised of 1038 randomly selected adult AIs in seven US sites. Prevalence and metabolic syndrome was estimated, and obesity was calculated using the WHO Asian criteria. Multivariate analysis included multinomial logistic regression. The mean age and length of residency in the US were 47 and 18.5 years, respectively. The majority of respondents were vegetarians (62%) and educated. A vegetarian lifestyle was associated with females, food label users, respondents with poor/fair current health status, less acculturated, and those who reported their diet had not changed after coming to the US. Vegetarian status was a protective factor and lowered the risk for diabetes but not for metabolic syndrome and obesity in the regression model. Results provide a firm basis for educational programs.
Published:
2018
Title:
Vegetarian diet, change in dietary patterns, and diabetes risk: a prospective study
Authors:
Chiu, Tina H. T.; Pan, Wen-Harn; Lin, Ming-Nan; Lin, Chin-Lon
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vegetarian diets are inversely associated with diabetes in Westerners but their impact on Asians-whose pathophysiology differ from Westerners-is unknown. We aim to investigate the association between a vegetarian diet, change in dietary patterns and diabetes risk in a Taiwanese Buddhist population. METHODS: We prospectively followed 2918 non-smoking, non-alcohol drinking Buddhists free of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases at baseline, for a median of 5 years, with 183 incident diabetes cases confirmed. Diet was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and a simple questionnaire during follow-ups. Incident cases of diabetes were ascertained through follow-up questionnaires, fasting glucose and HbA1C. Stratified Cox Proportional Hazards Regression was used to assess the effect of diets on risk of diabetes. RESULTS: Consistent vegetarian diet was associated with 35% lower hazards (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.92), while converting from a nonvegetarian to a vegetarian pattern was associated with 53% lower hazards (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.71) for diabetes, comparing with nonvegetarians while adjusting for age, gender, education, physical activity, family history of diabetes, follow-up methods, use of lipid-lowering medications, and baseline BMI. CONCLUSION: Vegetarian diet and converting to vegetarian diet may protect against diabetes independent of BMI among Taiwanese.
Published:
2018
Title:
Vitamin B-12 content in breast milk of vegan, vegetarian, and nonvegetarian lactating women in the United States
Authors:
Pawlak, Roman; Vos, Paul; Shahab-Ferdows, Setareh; Hampel, Daniela; Allen, Lindsay H.; Perrin, Maryanne Tigchelaar
Abstract:
Background: The nutritional profile of human milk varies significantly between women, and the impact of maternal diet on these variations is not well understood. Objective: We analyzed breast-milk vitamin B-12 concentration and vitamin B-12 supplement use pattern among women who adhered to different dietary patterns: vegan, vegetarian, and nonvegetarian. Design: A total of 74 milk samples, 26 from vegan, 22 from vegetarian, and 26 from nonvegetarian breastfeeding mothers, were analyzed. Results: The prevalences of low vitamin B-12 ( 0.05). Conclusions: Almost 20% of our study participants were classified as having low breast-milk vitamin B-12 concentrations (
Published:
2018
Title:
Vitamin C - A new player in regulation of the cancer epigenome
Authors:
Gillberg, Linn; Ørskov, Andreas D.; Liu, Minmin; Harsløf, Laurine B. S.; Jones, Peter A.; Grønbæk, Kirsten
Abstract:
Over the past few years it has become clear that vitamin C, as a provider of reduced iron, is an essential factor for the function of epigenetic regulators that initiate the demethylation of DNA and histones. Vitamin C deficiency is rare in the general population, but is frequently observed in patients with cancer. Genes encoding epigenetic regulators are often mutated in cancer, underscoring their central roles in carcinogenesis. In hematological cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), drugs that reverse epigenetic aberrations are now the standard of care. Recent in vitro studies suggest that vitamin C at physiological concentrations, combined with hypomethylating agents may act synergistically to cause DNA demethylation through active and passive mechanisms, respectively. Additionally, several recent studies have renewed interest in the use of pharmacological doses of vitamin C injected intravenously to selectively kill tumor cells. This review will focus on the potential of vitamin C to optimize the outcome of epigenetic therapy in cancer patients and alternatively to act as a therapeutic at high doses.
Published:
2018
Title:
Vitamin E (α-and γ-tocopherol) levels in the community: Distribution, clinical and biochemical correlates, and association with dietary patterns
Authors:
Waniek, S.; Di Giuseppe, R.; Esatbeyoglu, T.; Plachta-Danielzik, S.; Ratjen, I.; Jacobs, G.; Nöthlings, U.; Koch, M.; Schlesinger, S.; Rimbach, G.; Lieb, W.
Abstract:
Little is known about the distribution and determinants of circulating vitamin E levels in a German population. In this cross-sectional study we assessed the distribution of both α –and γ-tocopherol levels, identified their clinical and biochemical correlates, and assessed their relationships with a priori and a posteriori derived dietary patterns. Plasma α-and γ-tocopherol concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection in 641 individuals (mean-age: 61 years, 40.6% women). Correlates of both markers were determined using linear regression with backward selection. Using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), an a priori defined vitamin E-rich dietary pattern was constructed, and three a posteriori derived dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Each pattern was related to α-and γ-tocopherol levels using linear regression. Median concentrations of α-and γ-tocopherol were 31.54 μmol/L and 1.35 μmol/L, respectively. 57.6% of participants had α-tocopherol levels >30 μmol/L. Triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and vitamin E supplementation were identified as correlates of vitamin E levels. After excluding supplement users, a dietary pattern rich in meat, bread, fats, potatoes, and sugar/confectionery was inversely related to -tocopherol levels (β, -0.032, SE = 0.016, p = 0.047). Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the actual impact of the reported findings in terms of nutrition and health outcomes. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Published:
2018
Title:
Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: Prevalence, Etiology, and Treatment
Authors:
Velapati, Saketh R.; Shah, Meera; Kuchkuntla, Aravind R.; Abu-Dayyeh, Barham; Grothe, Karen; Hurt, Ryan T.; Mundi, Manpreet S.
Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity is a life-limiting disease that is associated with a number of co-morbidities. Bariatric surgery remains the most efficacious and durable weight loss method available to patients. However, a significant percentage of patients can regain weight resulting in frustration, depression, and return of obesity-related co-morbidities. The present review provides an overview of the most common therapeutic modalities available to combat weigh regain after weight loss surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Given the high percentage of patients with weight regain after surgery, significant effort has been placed on developing treatment options in the last few years. Tremendous work has taken place in the realm of cognitive behavior therapy, appetite suppressants, and endoscopic procedures with the hope of reducing the need for revision surgery which can be associated with significant complications. Weight regain is unfortunately a common phenomenon associated with all weight loss modalities including bariatric surgery. We now have a number of treatment options that can reverse the weight loss trend.
Published:
2018
Title:
[Effects of lacto-vegetarian diet and stabilization core exercises on body composition and pain in women with fibromyalgia: randomized controlled trial]
Authors:
Martínez-Rodríguez, Alejandro; Leyva-Vela, Belén; Martínez-García, Alba; Nadal-Nicolás, Yolanda
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown origin characterized by chronic muscular pain. The lack of knowledge about this disease is one of the main causes that makes complex to make a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE: the main objective of this study was to know the efficacy of a physiotherapy treatment combined with a lacto-vegetarian dietary-nutritional intervention, on low back pain and body composition in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: twenty-one women were randomly divided into three groups: A (core stabilization exercises + lacto-vegetarian diet), B (placebo + lacto-vegetarian diet) and C (control). The intervention lasted 4 weeks. Pain assessments (EVA scale) and body composition (bioimpedance) were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: group A showed significant changes in pain reduction and body composition at the end of the intervention, increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass. In addition, this group significantly improved outcomes compared to groups B and C. The correlations showed a relationship between muscle mass and pain reduction referred to at the end of the study in patients in group A. CONCLUSIONS: four-week intervention program combining core stabilization exercises plus lacto-vegetarian diet in patients with fibromyalgia who have low back pain contributes to pain reduction and improved body composition.
Published:
2018
Title:
miRNAs in nutrition, obesity, and cancer: The biology of miRNAs in metabolic disorders and its relationship with cancer development
Authors:
Del Carmen Martínez-Jiménez, Verónica; Méndez-Mancilla, Alejandro; Patricia Portales-Pérez, Diana
Abstract:
SCOPE: The scope of this review is to explain how metabolic disorders originated by a deficient nutrition can develop into a neoplastic process by the alteration of epigenetic mechanisms like miRNAs. Obesity is a proinflammatory state with a wide impact on health around the world that is associated with neoplastic diseases. Epigenetic mechanisms have a central role in the obesogenic environment, which participates on the development of comorbidities such as cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We made an exhaustive review of the most recent reports about metabolic disorders with nutrition and their relationship with miRNAs, and their risk of developing into oncogenic processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as one of the major epigenetic mechanisms that can affect the metabolic reprogramming of cellular metabolism that plays an important role in the oncogenic process. There is evidence that some foods may contribute to diminishing the risk of cancer as well as epidemiological studies that support the notion that diets high in animal protein and fat promote cancer risk. Therefore, diets high in fruit and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer. One of the principal explanations is that these foods contain bioactive compounds that increase the efficacy of epigenetic mechanisms, which in turn decrease the risk of obesity and its comorbidities. CONCLUSION: In this review, we show how miRNAs are implicated in several signaling pathways as well as illustrating some bioactive compounds that impact inflammation and cancer development.
Published:
2018
Title:
β-Hydroxybutyrate Prevents Vascular Senescence through hnRNP A1-Mediated Upregulation of Oct4
Authors:
Han, Young-Min; Bedarida, Tatiana; Ding, Ye; Somba, Brian K.; Lu, Qiulun; Wang, Qilong; Song, Ping; Zou, Ming-Hui
Abstract:
β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) elevation during fasting or caloric restriction is believed to induce anti-aging effects and alleviate aging-related neurodegeneration. However, whether β-HB alters the senescence pathway in vascular cells remains unknown. Here we report that β-HB promotes vascular cell quiescence, which significantly inhibits both stress-induced premature senescence and replicative senescence through p53-independent mechanisms. Further, we identify heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) as a direct binding target of β-HB. β-HB binding to hnRNP A1 markedly enhances hnRNP A1 binding with Octamer-binding transcriptional factor (Oct) 4 mRNA, which stabilizes Oct4 mRNA and Oct4 expression. Oct4 increases Lamin B1, a key factor against DNA damage-induced senescence. Finally, fasting and intraperitoneal injection of β-HB upregulate Oct4 and Lamin B1 in both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells in mice in vivo. We conclude that β-HB exerts anti-aging effects in vascular cells by upregulating an hnRNP A1-induced Oct4-mediated Lamin B1 pathway.
Published:
2018
Title:
A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trial)
Authors:
Jacka, Felice N.; O’Neil, Adrienne; Opie, Rachelle; Itsiopoulos, Catherine; Cotton, Sue; Mohebbi, Mohammedreza; Castle, David; Dash, Sarah; Mihalopoulos, Cathrine; Chatterton, Mary Lou; Brazionis, Laima; Dean, Olivia M.; Hodge, Allison M.; Berk, Michael
Abstract:
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Accuracy of self-reported smoking abstinence in clinical trials of hospital-initiated smoking interventions: Accuracy of self-reported smoking abstinence
Authors:
Scheuermann, Taneisha S.; Richter, Kimber P.; Rigotti, Nancy A.; Cummins, Sharon E.; Harrington, Kathleen F.; Sherman, Scott E.; Zhu, Shu-Hong; Tindle, Hilary A.; Preacher, Kristopher J.; the Consortium of Hospitals Advancing Research on Tobacco (CHART)
Abstract:
Aims To estimate the prevalence and predictors of failed biochemical verification of self-reported abstinence among participants enrolled in trials of hospital-initiated smoking cessation interventions. Design Comparison of characteristics between participants who verified and those who failed to verify self-reported abstinence. Settings Multi-site randomized clinical trials conducted between 2010 and 2014 in hospitals throughout the United States. Participants Recently hospitalized smokers who reported tobacco abstinence 6 months post-randomization and provided a saliva sample for verification purposes (n = 822). Measurements Outcomes were salivary cotinine-verified smoking abstinence at 10 and 15 ng/ml cut-points. Predictors and correlates included participant demographics and tobacco use; hospital diagnoses and treatment; and study characteristics collected via surveys and electronic medical records. Findings Usable samples were returned by 69.8% of the 1178 eligible trial participants who reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence. The proportion of participants verified as quit was 57.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 54.4, 61.2; 10 ng/ml cut-off] or 60.6% (95% CI = 57.2, 63.9; 15 ng/ml). Factors associated independently with verification at 10 ng/ml were education beyond high school education [odds ratio (OR) = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.11], continuous abstinence since hospitalization (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 2.02, 3.94), mailed versus in-person sample (OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.96, 5.21) and race. African American participants were less likely to verify abstinence than white participants (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.44, 0.93). Findings were similar for verification at 15 ng/ml. Verification rates did not differ by treatment group. Conclusions In the United States, high rates (40%) of recently hospitalized smokers enrolled in smoking cessation trials fail biochemical verification of their self-reported abstinence.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Beyond the dinner table: who's having breakfast, lunch and dinner family meals and which meals are associated with better diet quality and BMI in pre-school children?
Authors:
Berge, Jerica M.; Truesdale, Kimberly P.; Sherwood, Nancy E.; Mitchell, Nathan; Heerman, William J.; Barkin, Shari; Matheson, Donna; Levers-Landis, Carolyn E.; French, Simone A.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Having frequent family dinners is associated with better diet quality in children; however, it is unknown whether the frequency of certain family meal types (i.e. dinner) is more strongly associated with better child weight and diet quality compared with other meal types (i.e. breakfast, lunch). Thus, the current study examined the frequency of eating breakfast, lunch or dinner family meals and associations with pre-school children's overall diet quality (HEI-2010) and BMI percentile. DESIGN: Cross-sectional baseline data (2012-2014) from two randomized controlled childhood obesity prevention trials, NET-Works and GROW, were analysed together. SETTING: Studies were carried out in community and in-home settings in urban areas of Minnesota and Tennessee, USA. SUBJECTS: Parent-child (ages 2-5 years) pairs from Minnesota (n 222 non-Hispanics; n 312 Hispanics) and Tennessee (n 545 Hispanics; n 55 non-Hispanics) participated in the study. RESULTS: Over 80 % of families ate breakfast or lunch family meals at least once per week. Over 65 % of families ate dinner family meals ≥5 times/week. Frequency of breakfast family meals and total weekly family meals were significantly associated with healthier diet quality for non-Hispanic pre-school children (P
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents: Analysis based on the multicentre DPV registry
Authors:
Hilgard, Doerte; Konrad, Katja; Meusers, Michael; Bartus, Bela; Otto, Klaus-Peter; Lepler, Rudolf; Schober, Edith; Bollow, Esther; Holl, Reinhard W.; German/Austrian DPV Study Group, the Working Group on Psychiatric, Psychotherapeutic Psychological Aspects of Paediatric Diabetology (PPAG e.V.) and the BMBF Competence Network Diabetes, Germany
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The interaction between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents has been studied rarely. We aimed to analyse metabolic control in children and adolescents with both T1DM and ADHD compared to T1DM patients without ADHD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Auxological and treatment data from 56.722 paediatric patients (<20 years) with T1DM in the multicentre DPV (Diabetes Prospective Follow-up Initiative) registry were analysed. T1DM patients with comorbid ADHD were compared to T1DM patients without ADHD using multivariable mixed regression models adjusting for demographic confounders. RESULTS: We identified 1.608 (2.83%) patients with ADHD, 80.8% were male. Patients with comorbid ADHD suffered twice as often from diabetic ketoacidosis compared to patients without ADHD [10.2; 9.7-10.8 vs [5.4; 5.3-5.4] (P < .0001). We also found significant differences in HbA1c [8.6% (7.3-9.4); 66.7 mmol/mol (56.3-79.4) vs 7.8% (7.0-9.0); 62.1 mmol/mol (53.2-74.7)], insulin dose/kg [0.9 IU/kg (0.7-1.1) vs 0.8 IU/kg (0.7-1.0)], body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) [0.2 (-0.5 to 0.8) vs 0.3 (-0.3 to 0.9)], body weight-SDS [0.1 (-0.5 to 0.8) vs 0.3 (0.3 - 0.9)]; (all P < 0.0001), and systolic blood pressure after adjustment [mean: 116.3 vs 117.1 mm Hg)]; (P
Published:
2017-12
Title:
European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia
Authors:
Riemann, Dieter; Baglioni, Chiara; Bassetti, Claudio; Bjorvatn, Bjørn; Dolenc Groselj, Leja; Ellis, Jason G.; Espie, Colin A.; Garcia-Borreguero, Diego; Gjerstad, Michaela; Gonçalves, Marta; Hertenstein, Elisabeth; Jansson-Fröjmark, Markus; Jennum, Poul J.; Leger, Damien; Nissen, Christoph; Parrino, Liborio; Paunio, Tiina; Pevernagie, Dirk; Verbraecken, Johan; Weeß, Hans-Günter; Wichniak, Adam; Zavalko, Irina; Arnardottir, Erna S.; Deleanu, Oana-Claudia; Strazisar, Barbara; Zoetmulder, Marielle; Spiegelhalder, Kai
Abstract:
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Iberian cured-ham consumption improves endothelial function in healthy subjects
Authors:
Saban-Ruiz, Jose; Fabregate-Fuente, M.; Fabregate-Fuente, R.; Andres-Castillo, A.; Palomino-Antolin, A.; Barrio-Carreras, D.; Martin-Fernandez, L.; Altamirano, F.; Fernandez-Fernandez, C.; Andres-Lacueva, C.
Abstract:
Objectives: Previous studies have shown that dietary components such as oleic acid or polyphenols exert beneficial effects on endothelium. We aimed to assess the impact of regular consumption of Iberian cured-ham (ICH) on endothelial function. Design: An open-label, randomized controlled parallel study. Setting: Volunteers recruited through advertisements at a hospital in Madrid, Spain. Participants: 102 Caucasian adults (76.8% females) aged 25-55 years, and free from cardiometabolic disease. Intervention: Participants were randomized to an ICH-enriched ad libitum diet or an ad libitum diet without ICH for 6 weeks. Subjects in ICH group were randomly provided with either acorn- or mixed-fed ICH, and followed up for an additional 6-week period under their usual diet. Measurements: Clinical parameters, biomarkers of endothelial function and oxidative stress, microvascular vasodilatory response to hyperemia and arterial stiffness were measured before and after the intervention. Results: After 6 weeks, a larger decrease in PAI-1 was observed in subjects consuming ICH compared to the Control group (-6.2±17.7 vs. 0.3±1.4 ng/ml; p=0.020). Similarly, microvascular vasodilatory response to hyperemia showed a significant increase (112.4±391.7 vs. -56.0±327.9%; p=0.007). However, neither oxidative stress, hemodynamic nor clinical parameters differed significantly over the study. Additionally, after stopping ICH consumption, improvements in PAI-1 remained for 6 additional weeks with respect to baseline (p=0.006). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that regular consumption of ICH improves endothelial function in healthy adults. Strategies aimed to preserve or improve the endothelial function may have implications in vascular aging beyond the prevention of the atherothrombotic disease.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Omega-3 fatty acids revert high-fat diet-induced neuroinflammation but not recognition memory impairment in rats
Authors:
de Andrade, Aline Marcelino; Fernandes, Marilda da Cruz; de Fraga, Luciano Stürmer; Porawski, Marilene; Giovenardi, Márcia; Guedes, Renata Padilha
Abstract:
Neuroinflammation is a consequence of overeating and may predispose to the development of cognitive decline and neurological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of omega-3 supplementation on memory and neuroinflammatory markers in rats fed a high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: standard diet (SD); standard diet + omega-3 (SD + O); high fat diet (HFD); and high fat diet + omega-3 (HFD + O). Diet administration was performed for 20 weeks and omega-3 supplementation started at the 16th week. HFD significantly increased body weight, while omega-3 supplementation did not modify the total weight gain. However, animals from the HFD + O group showed a lower level of visceral fat along with an improvement in insulin sensitivity following HFD. Thus, our results demonstrate a beneficial metabolic role of omega-3 following HFD. On the other hand, HFD animals presented an impairment in object recognition memory, which was not recovered by omega-3. In addition, there was an increase in GFAP-positive cells in the cerebral cortex of the HFD group, showing that omega-3 supplementation can be effective to decrease astrogliosis. However, no differences in GFAP number of cells were found in the hippocampus. We also demonstrated a significant increase in gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in cerebral cortex of the HFD group, reinforcing the anti-inflammatory role of this family of fatty acids. In summary, omega-3 supplementation was not sufficient to reverse the memory deficit caused by HFD, although it played an important role in reducing the neuroinflammatory profile. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in the central nervous system, preventing the progression of neuroinflammation in obesity.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Ovo-vegetarian diet is associated with lower systemic blood pressure in Taiwanese women
Authors:
Ho, C. P.; Yu, J. H.; Lee, T. J. F.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate blood pressure (BP) profiles among Taiwanese women with different dietary patterns. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 269 non-hypertensive Taiwanese women, 40 years of age or older, were surveyed using structured questionnaires, and measurements of BP and physiological parameters were made. To assess differences among vegans, ovo-vegetarians, and meat eaters in terms of BP, demographic, and health behavior data, the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were employed for categorical variables, and analysis of variance and independent t-tests were performed for continuous variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between BP and dietary patterns while controlling for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A significant difference was found among the three test groups in terms of age, education, employment, stress, and waist-hip ratio. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly differed among the three groups. After controlling for age, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, the three groups were observed to be a significant risk factor of the SBP and DBP. The SBP and DBP of the ovo-vegetarian group were significantly lower than those of the meat-eater group. No significant differences were found between the vegan and meat-eater groups in terms of SBP and DBP. CONCLUSION: Dietary pattern is a likely risk factor for SBP and DBP outcomes in Taiwanese women. In particular, the SBP and DBP of ovo-vegetarians are the lowest among the values observed for all dietary patterns. This finding suggests that an ovo-vegetarian diet is beneficial for long-term BP control and prevention of hypertension in females.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Position paper on vegetarian diets from the working group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition
Authors:
Agnoli, C.; Baroni, L.; Bertini, I.; Ciappellano, S.; Fabbri, A.; Papa, M.; Pellegrini, N.; Sbarbati, R.; Scarino, M. L.; Siani, V.; Sieri, S.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Interest in vegetarian diets is growing in Italy and elsewhere, as government agencies and health/nutrition organizations are emphasizing that regular consumption of plant foods may provide health benefits and help prevent certain diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a Pubmed search, up to September, 2015, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and n-3 fatty acids) in vegetarian diets. From 295 eligible publications the following emerged: Vegetarians should be encouraged to supplement their diets with a reliable source of vitamin B12 (vitamin-fortified foods or supplements). Since the plant protein digestibility is lower than that of animal proteins it may be appropriate for vegetarians to consume more proteins than recommended for the general population. Vegetarians should also be encouraged to habitually consume good sources of calcium, iron and zinc - particularly vegetables that are low in oxalate and phytate (e.g. Brassicaceae), nuts and seeds, and calcium-rich mineral water. Calcium, iron, and zinc bioavailability can be improved by soaking, germination, and sour-dough leavening that lower the phytate content of pulses and cereals. Vegetarians can ensure good n-3 fatty acid status by habitually consuming good sources of a-linolenic acid (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and their oils) and limiting linoleic acid intake (corn and sunflower oils). CONCLUSIONS: Well-planned vegetarian diets that include a wide variety of plant foods, and a reliable source of vitamin B12, provide adequate nutrient intake. Government agencies and health/nutrition organizations should provide more educational resources to help Italians consume nutritionally adequate vegetarian diets.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Ratio of serum levels of AGEs to soluble RAGE is correlated with trimethylamine-N-oxide in non-diabetic subjects
Authors:
Tahara, Atsuko; Tahara, Nobuhiro; Yamagishi, Sho-ichi; Honda, Akihiro; Igata, Sachiyo; Nitta, Yoshikazu; Bekki, Munehisa; Nakamura, Tomohisa; Sugiyama, Yoichi; Sun, Jiahui; Takeuchi, Masayoshi; Shimizu, Makiko; Yamazaki, Hiroshi; Fukami, Kei; Fukumoto, Yoshihiro
Abstract:
Trimethylamine (TMA), an intestinal microflora-dependent metabolite formed from phosphatidylcholine- and L-carnitine-rich food, such as red meat, is further converted to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which could play a role in cardiometabolic disease. Red meat-derived products are one of the major environmental sources of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that may also contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders through the interaction with receptor for AGEs (RAGE). However, the relationship among AGEs, soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) and TMAO in humans remains unclear. Non-diabetic subjects underwent a physical examination, determination of blood chemistry and anthropometric variables, including AGEs, sRAGE, TMA and TMAO. Multiple regression analyses revealed that HbA1c, uric acid and AGEs were independently associated with log TMA, whereas log AGEs to sRAGE ratio and statin non-use were independently correlated with log TMAO. Our present findings indicated that AGEs to sRAGE ratio was correlated with log TMAO, a marker of cardiometabolic disorders.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Research on prevalence of secondary conditions in individuals with disabilities: An overview
Authors:
Moharić, Metka
Abstract:
Individuals with disabilities may be at increased risk of a number of secondary conditions. Secondary conditions influence health status and quality of life. Many of these conditions are preventable and their consequences can be managed. Knowledge of the prevalence, course, and association with age of secondary conditions is needed for better prevention and management. The aim of present study was to review the available literature on the prevalence of secondary conditions in individuals with disability. We performed searches of electronic databases for studies published between 1980 and 2017 that provided information on the prevalence of secondary conditions in individuals with disabilities. The reference list of all relevant citations was also reviewed for further material. Nineteen papers were included. The findings indicate that (i) studies were mainly population-based descriptive studies, (ii) researchers used different questionnaires, (iii) the most common studied population are patients with spinal cord injury, and (iv) even though secondary conditions are different in different patient populations, the main secondary conditions are pain, spasticity, urinary tract infections, fatigue, depression, and sleep problems. The prevalence of each condition varies widely depending on the studied population and research methodologies across studies. There is still much information that remains to be obtained on the prevalence, definition, and conceptual organization of secondary conditions. There is also a lack of longitudinal studies on the natural course of these conditions.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
The SALAMANDER project: SALivAry bioMarkers of mediterraneAN Diet associated with long-tERm protection against type 2 diabetes
Authors:
Proctor, G. B.; André, P.; Lopez‐Garcia, E.; Gomez Cabrero Lopez, D.; Neyraud, E.; Feart, C.; Rodriguez Artalejo, F.; García‐Esquinas, E.; Morzel, M.
Abstract:
Saliva offers the advantages of simple and non-invasive sampling and a rich source of biomarkers due to the high diversity of its microbiome, proteome and metabolome. The main objective of the SALivAry bioMarkers of mediterrane AN Diet associated with long- tERm protection against type 2 diabetes ( SALAMANDER) project is to identify and validate salivary signatures indicative of healthy dietary choices (adoption of a Mediterranean diet) with a positive long-term health outcome (protection against type 2 diabetes) throughout adult life. The project will utilise the UK Biobank, a bank of saliva samples with dietary, lifestyle and health-associated data from 85 000 donors, collected during 2006-2010. UK Biobank data will enable SALAMANDER project researchers to relate past salivary composition and dietary patterns to health status several years later, in order to ascertain the validity of various biomarkers. All subjects will be healthy at baseline and categorised as either healthy (H+) or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (H−) at follow-up. Compliance (or not) to the Mediterranean diet (D+, D−) will be evaluated with appropriate adjustment factors ( e.g. physical activity, use of dietary supplements). Within each of the four D/H groups, 50 subjects will be randomly selected and their salivary microbiome, proteome and metabolome will be analysed by 16Sr DNA analyses, nano- LC- MS/ MS of tryptic digests and 1H NMR, respectively. Integration of analytical data will then be performed to define a multimarker signature of a healthy diet associated with protection against type 2 diabetes. The data obtained from UK Biobank samples will be validated using two other population-based cohorts of older subjects in Spain ( ENRICA) and France ( 3-City Bordeaux), enabling verification of whether the identified signatures of biomarkers are conserved as ageing proceeds. The SALAMANDER project aims to advance current knowledge and methods in nutritional epidemiology by identifying objective and non-invasive biomarkers of compliance to a diet associated with prevention of a diet-related disease. It will also provide information on an ageing population, the salivary profiles of which are poorly documented, especially in relation to diet and health.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
The study of protein biomarkers to understand the biochemical processes underlying beef color development in young bulls
Authors:
Gagaoua, Mohammed; Terlouw, E. M. Claudia; Picard, Brigitte
Abstract:
This study investigates relationships between 21 biomarkers and meat color traits of Longissimus thoracis muscles of young Aberdeen Angus and Limousin bulls. The relationships found allowed to propose metabolic processes underlying meat color. The color coordinates were related with several biomarkers. The relationships were in some cases breed-dependent and the variability explained in the regression models varied between 31 and 56%. The correlations between biomarkers and color parameters were sometimes opposite between breeds. The PCA using the 21 biomarkers and the instrumental color coordinates showed that these variables discriminated efficiently between the two studied breeds. Results are coherent with earlier studies on other beef breeds showing that several proteins belonging to different but partly related biological pathways involved in muscle contraction, metabolism, heat stress and apoptosis are related to beef color. The results suggest that in future, biomarkers may be used to classify meat cuts sampled early post-mortem according to their forthcoming color. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Twelve-month outcomes of a randomized trial of a moderate-carbohydrate versus very low-carbohydrate diet in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes
Authors:
Saslow, Laura R.; Daubenmier, Jennifer J.; Moskowitz, Judith T.; Kim, Sarah; Murphy, Elizabeth J.; Phinney, Stephen D.; Ploutz-Snyder, Robert; Goldman, Veronica; Cox, Rachel M.; Mason, Ashley E.; Moran, Patricia; Hecht, Frederick M.
Abstract:
Published:
2017-12
Title:
Adverse effects of consuming high fat-sugar diets on cognition: implications for understanding obesity
Authors:
Yeomans, Martin R.
Abstract:
There is increasing evidence for important roles of key cognitive processes, including attention, memory and learning, in the short-term decision making about eating. There is parallel evidence that people who are overweight or obese tend to perform worse on a variety of cognitive tasks. In this review, the evidence for these two ideas is summarised and then the idea that overconsumption of Western-style high-fat (HF)-high-sugar diets may underlie the association between obesity and poorer cognitive performance is explored. In particular, evidence in animals and human subjects that repeated consumption of HF or HF and sugar (HFS) diets leads to specific impairments in the functioning of the hippocampus, which underpin the consequent changes in cognition is summarised. These findings lead into the vicious cycle model (VCM), which suggests that these cognitive changes have knock-on negative effects for future appetite control, and evidence that altered hippocampal function is also associated with impaired appetite control is explored. The review concludes that there is consistent evidence in the animal literature and emerging evidence from human studies that supports this VCM. It is also noted, however, that to date studies lack the nutritional specificity needed to be able to translate these basic research findings into clear nutritional effects, and concludes that there is an urgent need for additional research to clarify the precise nature of the apparent effects of consuming HFS diets on cognition.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
An Expanded Conceptual Framework of Medical Students’ Primary Care Career Choice:
Authors:
Pfarrwaller, Eva; Audétat, Marie-Claude; Sommer, Johanna; Maisonneuve, Hubert; Bischoff, Thomas; Nendaz, Mathieu; Baroffio, Anne; Junod Perron, Noëlle; Haller, Dagmar M.
Abstract:
In many countries, the number of graduating medical students pursuing a primary care career does not meet demand. These countries face primary care physician shortages. Students’ career choices have been widely studied, yet many aspects of this process remain unclear. Conceptual models are useful to plan research and educational interventions in such complex systems.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Atherogenic index of plasma is positively associated with the risk of all-cause death in elderly women : A 10-year follow-up
Authors:
Bendzala, Matej; Sabaka, Peter; Caprnda, Martin; Komornikova, Andrea; Bisahova, Maria; Baneszova, Ruth; Petrovic, Daniel; Prosecky, Robert; Rodrigo, Luis; Kruzliak, Peter; Dukat, Andrej
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The blood concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) do not predict survival in patients older than 60 years. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a logarithm of the triacylglycerol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and a surrogate for the concentration of small dense LDL. It might be a better reflection of the risk of all-cause death in elderly patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients with arterial hypertension older than 60 years. The concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triacylglycerol were measured at the time of the recruitment and the patients were observed for 10 years. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of lipoproteins and AIP on survival. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients were recruited and 473 of them (226 men, 247 women) either died or successfully completed the 10-year follow-up and were included in the analysis. The AIP was positively associated, while HDL concentration was negatively associated with the risk of all-cause death adjusted for age, smoking habits, statin use, history of diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) in elderly women but not in men. The LDL, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and non-HDL concentrations were not associated with the risk of death in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The AIP is positively associated with the risk of all-cause death in elderly women with arterial hypertension independent of age, smoking habits, statin therapy and comorbidities.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Biomarkers of food intake and nutrient status are associated with glucose tolerance status and development of type 2 diabetes in older Swedish women
Authors:
Savolainen, Otto; Lind, Mads Vendelbo; Bergström, Göran; Fagerberg, Björn; Sandberg, Ann-Sofie; Ross, Alastair
Abstract:
Background: Diet is frequently associated with both the development and prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but there is a lack of objective tools for assessing the relation between diet and T2D. Biomarkers of dietary intake are unconfounded by recall and reporting bias, and using multiple dietary biomarkers could help strengthen the link between a healthy diet and the prevention of T2D.Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how diet is related to glucose tolerance status (GTS) and to future development of T2D irrespective of common T2D and cardiovascular disease risk factors by using multiple dietary biomarkers.Design: Dietary biomarkers were measured in plasma from 64-y-old Swedish women with different GTS [normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 190), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n = 209), and diabetes (n = 230)]. The same subjects were followed up after 5 y to determine changes in glucose tolerance (n = 167 for NGT, n = 174 for IGT, and n = 159 for diabetes). ANCOVA and logistic regression were used to explore baseline data for associations between dietary biomarkers, GTS, and new T2D cases at follow-up (n = 69).Results: Of the 10 dietary biomarkers analyzed, β-alanine (beef) (P-raw < 0.001), alkylresorcinols C17 and C19 (whole-grain wheat and rye) (P-raw = 0.003 and 0.011), eicosapentaenoic acid (fish) (P-raw = 0.041), 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) (fish) (P-raw = 0.002), linoleic acid (P-raw < 0.001), oleic acid (P-raw = 0.003), and α-tocopherol (margarine and vegetable oil) (P-raw
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Cost-effectiveness of emergency department-initiated treatment for opioid dependence: Treatment for opioid dependence
Authors:
Busch, Susan H.; Fiellin, David A.; Chawarski, Marek C.; Owens, Patricia H.; Pantalon, Michael V.; Hawk, Kathryn; Bernstein, Steven L.; O'Connor, Patrick G.; D'Onofrio, Gail
Abstract:
Background and Aims In a recent randomized trial, patients with opioid dependence receiving brief intervention, emergency department (ED)-initiated buprenorphine and ongoing follow-up in primary care with buprenorphine (buprenorphine) were twice as likely to be engaged in addiction treatment compared with referral to community-based treatment (referral) or brief intervention and referral (brief intervention). Our aim was to evaluate the relative cost-effectiveness of these three methods of intervening on opioid dependence in the ED. Design Measured health-care use was converted to dollar values. We considered a health-care system perspective and constructed cost-effectiveness acceptability curves that indicate the probability each treatment is cost-effective under different thresholds of willingness-to-pay for outcomes studied. Setting An urban ED in the United States. Participants Opioid-dependent patients aged 18 years or older. Measurements Self-reported 30-day assessment data were used to construct cost-effectiveness acceptability curves for patient engagement in formal addiction treatment at 30 days and the number of days illicit opioid-free in the past week. Findings Considering only health-care system costs, cost-effectiveness acceptability curves indicate that at all positive willingness-to-pay values, ED-initiated buprenorphine treatment was more cost-effective than brief intervention or referral. For example, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $1000 for 30-day treatment engagement, we are 79% certain ED-initiated buprenorphine is most cost-effective compared with other studied treatments. Similar results were found for days illicit opioid-free in the past week. Results were robust to secondary analyses that included patients with missing cost data, included crime and patient time costs in the numerator, and to changes in unit price estimates. Conclusion In the United States, emergency department-initiated buprenorphine intervention for patients with opioid dependence provides high value compared with referral to community-based treatment or combined brief intervention and referral.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Dietary Strategies to Reduce Environmental Impact: A Critical Review of the Evidence Base
Authors:
Ridoutt, Bradley G.; Hendrie, Gilly A.; Noakes, Manny
Abstract:
The food system is a major source of environmental impact, and dietary change has been recommended as an important and necessary strategy to reduce this impact. However, assessing the environmental performance of diets is complex due to the many types of foods eaten and the diversity of agricultural production systems and local environmental settings. To assess the state of science and identify knowledge gaps, an integrative review of the broad topic of environment and diet was undertaken, with particular focus on the completeness of coverage of environmental concerns and the metrics used. Compared with the 14 discrete environmental areas of concern identified in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the located journal literature mainly addressed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, to a lesser extent, land and water use. Some relevant concerns were rarely addressed or not addressed at all. In the case of GHG emissions, changes in land use and soil carbon stocks were seldom considered. This represents a disconnect between the science informing strategic climate action in the agricultural sector and the science informing public health nutrition. In the case of land and water use, few studies used metrics that are appropriate in a life-cycle context. Some metrics produce inherently biased results, which misinform about environmental impact. The limited evidence generally points to recommended diets having lower environmental impacts than typical diets, although not in every case. This is largely explained by the overconsumption of food energy associated with average diets, which is also a major driver of obesity. A shared-knowledge framework is identified as being needed to guide future research on this topic. Until the evidence base becomes more complete, commentators on sustainable diets should not be quick to assume that a dietary strategy to reduce overall environmental impact can be readily defined or recommended.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Effects of age and gender on the serum levels of clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine
Authors:
Castberg, I.; Westin, A. A.; Skogvoll, E.; Spigset, O.
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate serum concentrations of second-generation antipsychotics in relation to age and gender in a population ranging from 18 to 100 years. Method: Results from a routine therapeutic drug monitoring database were retrieved, and 43 079 samples from 11 968 patients were included (17 249 samples for clozapine, 16 171 samples for olanzapine, 5343 samples for risperidone, and 4316 samples for quetiapine). The doseadjusted concentration was used as the primary target variable. A linear mixed model was used to allow the inclusion of multiple samples from each patient. Results: Age had a significant impact on the concentrations of all four drugs. At the age of 80, the dose-adjusted concentrations were up to twice those of the age of 40. At the age of 90, dose-adjusted concentrations were two- to three-fold higher. Age-related increases were largest for clozapine (+108% at 80 years; +197% at 90 years) and smallest for olanzapine (+28% at 80 years; +106% at 90 years). Females generally had dose-adjusted concentrations 20–30% higher than males. Conclusion: The effect of age on the serum concentrations of the antipsychotics studied becomes pronounced with advanced age. The patient population aged above 70 should be subdivided according to exact age, and considerable dose reductions are recommended.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Epigenetic mechanisms underlying lifespan and age-related effects of dietary restriction and the ketogenic diet
Authors:
Moreno, Cesar L.; Mobbs, Charles V.
Abstract:
Aging constitutes the central risk factor for major diseases including many forms of cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. The aging process is characterized by both global and tissue-specific changes in gene expression across taxonomically diverse species. While aging has historically been thought to entail cell-autonomous, even stochastic changes, recent evidence suggests that modulation of this process can be hierarchal, wherein manipulations of nutrient-sensing neurons (e.g., in the hypothalamus) produce peripheral effects that may modulate the aging process itself. The most robust intervention extending lifespan, plausibly impinging on the aging process, involves different modalities of dietary restriction (DR). Lifespan extension by DR is associated with broad protection against diseases (natural and engineered). Here we review potential epigenetic processes that may link lifespan to age-related diseases, particularly in the context of DR and (other) ketogenic diets, focusing on brain and hypothalamic mechanisms.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Functional mitochondria in health and disease
Authors:
Herst, Patries M.; Rowe, Matthew R.; Carson, Georgia M.; Berridge, Michael V.
Abstract:
The ability to rapidly adapt cellular bioenergetic capabilities to meet rapidly changing environmental conditions is mandatory for normal cellular function and for cancer progression. Any loss of this adaptive response has the potential to compromise cellular function and render the cell more susceptible to external stressors such as oxidative stress, radiation, chemotherapeutic drugs, and hypoxia. Mitochondria play a vital role in bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways and can rapidly adjust to meet the metabolic needs of the cell. Increased demand is met by mitochondrial biogenesis and fusion of individual mitochondria into dynamic networks, whereas a decrease in demand results in the removal of superfluous mitochondria through fission and mitophagy. Effective communication between nucleus and mitochondria (mito-nuclear cross talk), involving the generation of different mitochondrial stress signals as well as the nuclear stress response pathways to deal with these stressors, maintains bioenergetic homeostasis under most conditions. However, when mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations accumulate and mito-nuclear cross talk falters, mitochondria fail to deliver critical functional outputs. Mutations in mtDNA have been implicated in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative mitochondriopathies and complex diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorders, aging, and cancer. In some cases, drastic measures such as acquisition of new mitochondria from donor cells occurs to ensure cell survival. This review starts with a brief discussion of the evolutionary origin of mitochondria and summarizes how mutations in mtDNA lead to mitochondriopathies and other degenerative diseases. Mito-nuclear cross talk, including various stress signals generated by mitochondria and corresponding stress response pathways activated by the nucleus are summarized. We also introduce and discuss a small family of recently discovered hormone-like mitopeptides that modulate body metabolism. Under conditions of severe mitochondrial stress, mitochondria have been shown to traffic between cells, replacing mitochondria in cells with damaged and malfunctional mtDNA. Understanding the processes involved in cellular bioenergetics and metabolic adaptation has the potential to generate new knowledge that will lead to improved treatment of many of the metabolic, degenerative, and age-related inflammatory diseases that characterize modern societies.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Migrating Platelets Are Mechano-scavengers that Collect and Bundle Bacteria
Authors:
Gaertner, Florian; Ahmad, Zerkah; Rosenberger, Gerhild; Fan, Shuxia; Nicolai, Leo; Busch, Benjamin; Yavuz, Gökce; Luckner, Manja; Ishikawa-Ankerhold, Hellen; Hennel, Roman; Benechet, Alexandre; Lorenz, Michael; Chandraratne, Sue; Schubert, Irene; Helmer, Sebastian; Striednig, Bianca; Stark, Konstantin; Janko, Marek; Böttcher, Ralph T.; Verschoor, Admar; Leon, Catherine; Gachet, Christian; Gudermann, Thomas; Mederos y Schnitzler, Michael; Pincus, Zachary; Iannacone, Matteo; Haas, Rainer; Wanner, Gerhard; Lauber, Kirsten; Sixt, Michael; Massberg, Steffen
Abstract:
Published:
2017-11
Title:
More Alcohol, More Liver Injury: Not Always True
Authors:
Kirpich, Irina; McClain, Craig
Abstract:
An animal model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) that recapitulates human disease is an unmet need. An alcohol-preferring strain and WT mice were fed alcohol by different techniques and with different diet compositions. Interestingly, the greatest alcohol consumers did not develop the worst ALD. This editorial highlights how diet and the gut microbiome/metabolome may influence the development/severity of ALD.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Morphological evolution of the mammalian jaw adductor complex: Mammalian jaw muscle evolution
Authors:
Lautenschlager, Stephan; Gill, Pamela; Luo, Zhe-Xi; Fagan, Michael J.; Rayfield, Emily J.
Abstract:
The evolution of the mammalian jaw during the transition from non-mammalian synapsids to crown mammals is a key event in vertebrate history and characterised by the gradual reduction of its individual bones into a single element and the concomitant transformation of the jaw joint and its incorporation into the middle ear complex. This osteological transformation is accompanied by a rearrangement and modification of the jaw adductor musculature, which is thought to have allowed the evolution of a more-efficient masticatory system in comparison to the plesiomorphic synapsid condition. While osteological characters relating to this transition are well documented in the fossil record, the exact arrangement and modifications of the individual adductor muscles during the cynodont–mammaliaform transition have been debated for nearly a century.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in autoimmune diseases: A comprehensive review
Authors:
Lee, Keum Hwa; Kronbichler, Andreas; Park, David Duck-Young; Park, YoungMin; Moon, Hanwool; Kim, Hyungdo; Choi, Jun Hyug; Choi, YoungSeo; Shim, Songjoo; Lyu, Il Suk; Yun, Byung Hwan; Han, Yeonseung; Lee, Donghee; Lee, Sang Yoon; Yoo, Byung Hun; Lee, Kyung Hwan; Kim, Tai Lim; Kim, Heonki; Shim, Joo Sung; Nam, Wonseok; So, Heesung; Choi, SooYeon; Lee, Sangmok; Shin, Jae Il
Abstract:
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Selected In-Season Nutritional Strategies to Enhance Recovery for Team Sport Athletes: A Practical Overview
Authors:
Heaton, Lisa E.; Davis, Jon K.; Rawson, Eric S.; Nuccio, Ryan P.; Witard, Oliver C.; Stein, Kimberly W.; Baar, Keith; Carter, James M.; Baker, Lindsay B.
Abstract:
Team sport athletes face a variety of nutritional challenges related to recovery during the competitive season. The purpose of this article is to review nutrition strategies related to muscle regeneration, glycogen restoration, fatigue, physical and immune health, and preparation for subsequent training bouts and competitions. Given the limited opportunities to recover between training bouts and games throughout the competitive season, athletes must be deliberate in their recovery strategy. Foundational components of recovery related to protein, carbohydrates, and fluid have been extensively reviewed and accepted. Micronutrients and supplements that may be efficacious for promoting recovery include vitamin D, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, creatine, collagen/vitamin C, and antioxidants. Curcumin and bromelain may also provide a recovery benefit during the competitive season but future research is warranted prior to incorporating supplemental dosages into the athlete's diet. Air travel poses nutritional challenges related to nutrient timing and quality. Incorporating strategies to consume efficacious micronutrients and ingredients is necessary to support athlete recovery in season.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Understanding mitochondrial polymorphisms in cancer
Authors:
Bussard, Karen M.; Siracusa, Linda D.
Abstract:
Alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were once thought to be predominantly innocuous to cell growth. Recent evidence suggests that mtDNA undergo naturally occurring alterations, including mutations and polymorphisms, which profoundly affect the cells in which they appear and contribute to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Furthermore, interplay between mtDNA and nuclear DNA has been found in cancer cells, necessitating consideration of these complex interactions for future studies of cancer mutations and polymorphisms. In this issue of Cancer Research, Vivian and colleagues utilize a unique mouse model, called Mitochondrial Nuclear eXchange mice, that contain the nuclear DNA from one inbred mouse strain, and the mtDNA from a different inbred mouse strain to examine the genome-wide nuclear DNA methylation and gene expression patterns of brain tissue. Results demonstrated there were alterations in nuclear DNA expression and DNA methylation driven by mtDNA. These alterations may impact disease pathogenesis. In light of these results, in this review, we highlight alterations in mtDNA, with a specific focus on polymorphisms associated with cancer susceptibility and/or prognosis, mtDNA as cancer biomarkers, and considerations for investigating the role of mtDNA in cancer progression for future studies.
Published:
2017-11
Title:
Association of vegetarian diet with inflammatory biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors:
Haghighatdoost, Fahimeh; Bellissimo, Nick; Totosy de Zepetnek, Julia O.; Rouhani, Mohammad Hossein
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Vegetarian diets contain various anti-inflammatory components. We aimed to investigate the effects of vegetarianism on inflammatory biomarkers when compared with omnivores. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Literature search was conducted in Science Direct, Proquest, MEDLINE and Google Scholar up to June 2016. Summary estimates and corresponding 95 % CI were derived via the DerSimonian and Laird method using random effects, subgroup analyses were run to find the source of heterogeneity and a fixed-effect model examined between-subgroup heterogeneity. SUBJECTS: Studies were included if they evaluated effects of any type of vegetarianism compared with omnivores on circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers. No restriction was made in terms of language or the date of study publications. RESULTS: Eighteen articles were included. Pooled effect size showed no difference in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in vegetarians v. omnivores (Hedges' g=-0·15; 95 % CI -0·35, 0·05), with high heterogeneity (I 2=75·6 %, P<0·01). A subgroup analysis by minimum duration of vegetarianism showed that a minimum duration of 2 years vegetarianism was associated with lower hs-CRP levels v. omnivores (Hedges' g=-0·29; 95 % CI -0·59, 0·01), with moderate heterogeneity (I 2=68·9 %, P
Published:
2017-10
Title:
Dietary guidelines in type 2 diabetes: the Nordic diet or the ketogenic diet?. [Review]
Authors:
Magnusdottir, Ola K.; Gunnarsdottir, Ingibjorg; Birgisdottir, Bryndis E.
Abstract:
SUMMARY: More individualized approaches in nutrition therapy should be considered for T2DM patients and clinical guidelines should reflect this. More studies, especially long-term studies, are urgently needed on the impacts of the diets on different health parameters. Such studies should be prioritized because of the high and increasing prevalence of T2DM and because dietary changes may have greater benefits than previously thought. Furthermore, studies that focus on patient compliance to different types of diets, and personal and environmental factors that may affect compliance, are needed.
Published:
2017-10
Title:
Do advanced glycation end-products cause food allergy?
Authors:
Smith, Peter K.
Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to appraise the evidence relating to dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), their influence on innate and adaptive immune responses and their possible role in the increasing rate of food allergy that is being observed globally. RECENT FINDINGS: The western pattern of diet is high in both AGEs and their substrates and this has been increasing in the last 30 years. AGEs mimic alarmins such as S100 proteins and the high molecular group box 1 (HMBG1), binding to the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE), which in turn influences innate and adaptive immune responses. AGEs can directly cause mast cell activation and degranulation. Population data from USA and Australia have correlates with the rise in food allergy and sources of AGEs in the diet and this is also reinforced by urban and regional data within countries. The function of the RAGE receptor is inter-twined with Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and vitamin D levels. Activation of the RAGE receptor results in loss of epithelial integrity. Animal models studies have shown that dietary compounds that reduce the formation of AGEs can protect from the development of food allergies; however, this has not been shown in humans. SUMMARY: Dietary sources of AGEs and their substrates are a plausible contributor to the increasing prevalence of food allergy, which requires prospective evaluation in human populations.
Published:
2017-10
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