Nutrients

14 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessReview

Low Protein Intake Is Associated with Frailty in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

by Hélio José Coelho-Júnior, Bruno Rodrigues, Marco Uchida and Emanuele Marzetti

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091334 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 128 | Viewed by 11014

Abstract

(1) Background: Several factors have been suggested to be associated with the physiopathology of frailty in older adults, and nutrition (especially protein intake) has been attributed fundamental importance in this context. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Several factors have been suggested to be associated with the physiopathology of frailty in older adults, and nutrition (especially protein intake) has been attributed fundamental importance in this context. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between protein intake and frailty status in older adults. (2) Methods: A search of scientific studies was conducted in the main databases (Medline, Scopus, Cochrane library), and in the reference lists of selected articles. The search terms included synonyms and Medical Subject Headings and involved the use of Boolean operators which allowed the combination of words and search terms. Observational studies—cross-sectional and longitudinal—that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Article selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses with random effects were performed. Publication bias was measured using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology instrument. (3) Results: In the final sample, 10 articles, seven cross-sectional and three longitudinal, were included in the present study. Overall, studies investigated a total of 50,284 older adults from three different continents between 2006 and 2018. Four cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analyses. The results demonstrated that a high protein intake was negatively associated with frailty status in older adults (odds ratio: 0.67, confidence interval = 0.56 to 0.82, p = 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a high consumption of dietary protein is inversely associated with frailty in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Protein and Muscle in Aging People)

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10 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Depression in a Middle-Aged Cohort: The SUN Project

by Adela M. Navarro, Daria Abasheva, Miguel Á. Martínez-González, Liz Ruiz-Estigarribia, Nerea Martín-Calvo, Almudena Sánchez-Villegas and Estefanía Toledo

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091333 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 11534

Abstract

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed drinks around the world, while depression is considered the major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. However, the investigation on coffee consumption and depression is limited and results may be confounded by the [...] Read more.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed drinks around the world, while depression is considered the major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. However, the investigation on coffee consumption and depression is limited and results may be confounded by the overall dietary pattern. We assessed the relationship between coffee intake and the risk of depression, controlling for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. We studied 14,413 university graduates of the ‘Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra’ (SUN) cohort, initially free of depression. We evaluated coffee consumption using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Incident depression cases were adjudicated only if the participant met two criteria simultaneously: (a) validated physician-diagnosed depression together with (b) new onset of habitual antidepressant use. Both criteria were needed; participants meeting only one of them were not classified as cases. Participants who drank at least four cups of coffee per day showed a significantly lower risk of depression than participants who drank less than one cup of coffee per day (HR: 0.37 (95% CI 0.15–0.95)). However, overall, we did not observe an inverse linear dose–response association between coffee consumption and the incidence of depression (p for trend = 0.22). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Caffeine and Coffee on Human Health)

25 pages, 1183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Milk Casein and Whey Protein and Infant Body Composition over the First 12 Months of Lactation

by Zoya Gridneva, Wan J. Tie, Alethea Rea, Ching Tat Lai, Leigh C. Ward, Kevin Murray, Peter E. Hartmann and Donna T. Geddes

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091332 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 15837

Abstract

Human milk (HM) influences infant feeding patterns and body composition (BC). This small proof-of concept longitudinal study investigated relationships between infant/maternal BC and HM casein, whey and total protein during the first 12 months of lactation. BC of breastfeeding dyads (n = [...] Read more.

Human milk (HM) influences infant feeding patterns and body composition (BC). This small proof-of concept longitudinal study investigated relationships between infant/maternal BC and HM casein, whey and total protein during the first 12 months of lactation. BC of breastfeeding dyads (n = 20) was measured at 2 (n = 15), 5 (n = 20), 9 (n = 19), and/or 12 (n = 18) months postpartum with ultrasound skinfolds (infants) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (infants/mothers). Proteins concentrations and 24-h milk intake were measured and calculated daily intakes (CDI) determined. Higher maternal weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, and fat mass index were associated with higher concentration of whey protein (p ≤ 0.034, n = 20). There were no associations between infant BC and concentrations of all proteins, and CDI of whey and total protein. Higher CDI of casein were associated with lower infant fat-free mass (p = 0.003, n = 18) and higher fat mass (p < 0.001), fat mass index (p = 0.001, n = 18), and % fat mass (p < 0.001, n = 18) measured with ultrasound skinfolds. These results show a differential effect of HM casein on development of infant BC during the first year of life, suggesting that there is a potential to improve outcome for the infant through interventions, such as continuation of breastfeeding during the first 12 months of life and beyond, which may facilitate favourable developmental programming that could reduce risk of non-communicable diseases later in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breastfeeding and Human Lactation)

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8 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Significance of Phase Angle in Non-Dialysis CKD Stage 5 and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

by Byoung-Geun Han, Jun Young Lee, Jae-Seok Kim and Jae-Won Yang

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091331 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4884

Abstract

Background: Fluid overload and protein-energy wasting (PEW) are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and lead to a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the volume and nutritional status of ESRD patients and to determine the clinical significance of phase angle [...] Read more.

Background: Fluid overload and protein-energy wasting (PEW) are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and lead to a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the volume and nutritional status of ESRD patients and to determine the clinical significance of phase angle (PhA). Methods: This study was a cross-sectional comparison of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) findings in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 (CKD5-ND, N = 80) and age/sex-matched peritoneal dialysis patients (PD, N = 80). PEW was defined as a PhA less than 4.5°. Results: The PhA was found to be positively associated with a geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI, r = 0.561, p < 0.001), lean tissue index (LTI, r = 0.473, p < 0.001), and albumin (r = 0.565, p < 0.001) while OH/ECW (r = −0.824, p < 0.001) showed an inverse correlation. The CKD5-ND group had more overhydration (p = 0.027). The PD group had significantly higher PhA (p = 0.023), GNRI (p = 0.005), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), and albumin (p = 0.003) than the CKD5-ND group. The cut-off values predicting PEW were found to be 3.55 g/dL for albumin, 94.9 for GNRI, and 12.95 kg/m² for LTI in PD patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PhA could be used as a marker to reflect nutritional status in patients with ESRD. Since BIS can inform both volume and nutritional status, regular monitoring will provide the basis for active correction of fluid overload and nutritional supplementation, which may improve outcomes in patients with ESRD. Full article

16 pages, 2594 KiB

Open AccessReview

Relative Protein Intake and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

by Hélio José Coelho-Júnior, Luiz Milano-Teixeira, Bruno Rodrigues, Reury Bacurau, Emanuele Marzetti and Marco Uchida

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091330 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 11337

Abstract

(1) Background: The present work aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, in order to investigate the association of relative protein intake and physical function in older adults; (2) Methods: Observational studies, that investigated the association between protein intake [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The present work aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, in order to investigate the association of relative protein intake and physical function in older adults; (2) Methods: Observational studies, that investigated the association between protein intake and physical function in older adults, were retrieved from MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, AgeLine, EMBASE, and Cochrane-CENTRAL. Two independent researchers conducted study selection and data extraction; (3) Results: Very high protein intake (≥1.2 g/kg/day) and high protein intake (≥1.0 g/kg/day) groups showed better lower limb physical functioning and walking speed (WS) performance, respectively, in comparison to individuals who present relative low protein (<0.80 g/kg/day) intake. On the other hand, relative high protein intake does not seem to propitiate a better performance on isometric handgrip (IHG) and chair rise in comparison to relative low protein intake. In addition, there were no significant differences in the physical functioning of high and middle protein intake groups; (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, findings of the present study indicate that a very high (≥1.2 g/kg/day) and high protein intake (≥1.0 g/kg/day) are associated with better lower-limb physical performance, when compared to low protein (<0.80 g/kg/day) intake, in community-dwelling older adults. These findings act as additional evidence regarding the potential need to increase protein guidelines to above the current recommendations. However, large randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the addictive effects of high-protein diets (≥1.0 g/kg/day) in comparison to the current recommendations on physical functioning. All data are available in the Open ScienceFramework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Protein and Muscle in Aging People)

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Flowchart of the present study. Full article ">Figure 2
Mean difference in (a) Upper-limb muscle strength and Standardized mean difference in (b) Lower-limb muscle strength according to protein intake. Squares represent study-specific estimates; diamonds represent pooled estimates of random-effects meta-analyses. Full article ">Figure 3
Mean differences in Mobility according to protein intake. (a) Chan et al., 2014, and Isanejad et al., 2016; (b) Chan et al., 2014b, and Isanejad et al., 2016; (c) Chan et al., 2014ab, and Isanejad et al., 2016; (d) Chan et al., 2014c, and Isanejad et al., 2016; (e) Chan et al., 2014abc, and Isanejad et al., 2016. Squares represent study-specific estimates; diamonds represent pooled estimates of random-effects meta-analyses. Full article ">Figure 4
Mean difference in (a) Upper-limb muscle strength; (b) Mobility; and (c) Lower-limb muscle strength according to protein intake. Squares represent study-specific estimates; diamonds represent pooled estimates of random-effects meta-analyses. Full article ">Figure 5
Standardized mean difference in Lower-limb muscle functioning according to protein intake. Squares represent study-specific estimates; diamonds represent pooled estimates of random-effects meta-analyses. Full article ">

18 pages, 1308 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Overweight Children: Role of Fructose Intake and Dietary Pattern

by Anika Nier, Annette Brandt, Ina Barbara Conzelmann, Yelda Özel and Ina Bergheim

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091329 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 8086

Abstract

The role of nutrition and diet in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still not fully understood. In the present study, we determined if dietary pattern and markers of intestinal permeability differ between overweight children with and without NAFLD. In [...] Read more.

The role of nutrition and diet in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still not fully understood. In the present study, we determined if dietary pattern and markers of intestinal permeability differ between overweight children with and without NAFLD. In addition, in a feasibility study, we assessed the effect of a moderate dietary intervention only focusing on nutrients identified to differ between groups on markers of intestinal barrier function and health status. Anthropometric data, dietary intake, metabolic parameters, and markers of inflammation, as well as of intestinal permeability, were assessed in overweight children (n = 89, aged 5–9) and normal-weight healthy controls (n = 36, aged 5–9). Sixteen children suffered from early signs of NAFLD, e.g., steatosis grade 1 as determined by ultrasound. Twelve children showing early signs of NAFLD were enrolled in the intervention study (n = 6 intervention, n = 6 control). Body mass index (BMI), BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), and waist circumference were significantly higher in NAFLD children than in overweight children without NAFLD. Levels of bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and proinflammatory markers like interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were also significantly higher in overweight children with NAFLD compared to those without. Total energy and carbohydrate intake were higher in NAFLD children than in those without. The higher carbohydrate intake mainly resulted from a higher total fructose and glucose intake derived from a significantly higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. When counseling children with NAFLD regarding fructose intake (four times, 30–60 min within 1 year; one one-on-one counseling and three group counselings), neither alanine aminotransferase (ALT) nor aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in serum changed; however, diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) and bacterial endotoxin levels (p = 0.06) decreased markedly in the intervention group after one year. Similar changes were not found in uncounseled children. Our results suggest that a sugar-rich diet might contribute to the development of early stages of NAFLD in overweight children, and that moderate dietary counseling might improve the metabolic status of overweight children with NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intake and the Risk for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD))

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16 pages, 5905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Platycodon grandiflorum Saponins Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Acute Nephrotoxicity through the NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation and PI3K/Akt/Apoptosis Signaling Pathways

by Weizhe Zhang, Jingang Hou, Xiaotong Yan, Jing Leng, Rongyan Li, Jing Zhang, Jingjing Xing, Chen Chen, Zi Wang and Wei Li

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091328 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 7142

Abstract

Although cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent against cancers, its clinical application is seriously limited by its severe side effects of nephrotoxicity. Previous studies reported that saponins isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (PGS) exerted protective effects in various animal models of [...] Read more.

Although cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent against cancers, its clinical application is seriously limited by its severe side effects of nephrotoxicity. Previous studies reported that saponins isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (PGS) exerted protective effects in various animal models of renal injury, with no confirmation on cisplatin-induced injury. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of PGS (15 and 30 mg/kg) on cisplatin-induced kidney injury in mice. The levels of serum creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal histopathology demonstrated the protective effect of PGS against cisplatin-induced kidney injury. PGS exerted anti-inflammation effects via suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and alleviating the cisplatin-induced increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in kidney tissues. The expressions of phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B and its downstream apoptotic factors, such as Bcl-2 and caspase families were regulated by PGS in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, PGS exerted kidney protection effects against cisplatin-induced kidney injury by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and regulating PI3K/Akt/apoptosis signaling pathways in mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals in Health and Disease)

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Full article ">Figure 1
Renal protective effects of PGS against cisplatin-induced renal injury. Cisplatin increased serum CRE (A) and BUN (B) levels, whereas PGS reduced the increase. Kidneys stained with H&E (C) and TUNEL (400×) (D). The tubular injury scores (E) and the number of TUNEL-positive cells (F). ** p < 0.01 vs. Control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. CRE: creatinine, BUN: blood urea nitrogen, PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, H&E: hematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Full article ">Figure 1 Cont.
Renal protective effects of PGS against cisplatin-induced renal injury. Cisplatin increased serum CRE (A) and BUN (B) levels, whereas PGS reduced the increase. Kidneys stained with H&E (C) and TUNEL (400×) (D). The tubular injury scores (E) and the number of TUNEL-positive cells (F). ** p < 0.01 vs. Control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. CRE: creatinine, BUN: blood urea nitrogen, PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, H&E: hematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Full article ">Figure 2
Effects of PGS pretreatment on apoptosis signaling pathways in cisplatin-triggered renal damage in mice. The protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 (A) was examined by immunohistochemistry (B,C) in renal tissues, and the fluorescence intensities were quantified at 400×. 4,6 diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used as a nuclear counterstain. The expression level of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3 and 9, and caspase-3 and 9 were measured by Western blotting (D). Quantitative analysis of scanning densitometry for Bax (E); Bcl-2 (F); cleaved caspase 3 (G); caspase 9 (H) were performed. ** p < 0.01 vs. control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, Bax: b-associated X, Bcl-2: b-cell-lymphoma-2. Full article ">Figure 3
Effects of PGS pretreatment on cisplatin-induced inflammatory responses in mice with renal injuries. The expression of iNOS and COX-2 (A) was examined by immunohistochemistry (B,C) in renal tissues, and fluorescence intensities were quantified at 400×. 4,6 diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used as a nuclear counterstain. The expression of iNOS and COX-2 were measured by Western blotting (D). Quantitative analysis of scanning densitometry for iNOS (E); COX-2 (F). ** p < 0.01 vs. control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase, COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2. Full article ">Figure 4
Effects of PGS pretreatment on cisplatin-induced inflammatory responses in mice with renal injuries. The expression of TNF-α (A) in renal samples of different groups was assayed by immunofluorescence. The fluorescence intensity of TNF-α (B) (green fluorescent) was quantified. Representative immunofluorescence images were taken at 400×. 4,6 diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used as a nuclear counterstain. Protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured by Western blotting (C). Quantitative analysis of scanning densitometry for TNF-α (D); IL-1β (E). ** p < 0.01 vs. control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β: interleukin-1β. Full article ">Figure 5
Effects of PGS treatment on the NF-κB signaling pathway against cisplatin-induced renal damage in mice. The expression levels of p-IKKα, IKKα, p-IKKβ, IKKβ, p-IκBα, IκBα, p-NF-κB, and NF-κB were measured by Western blotting (A). Quantitative analysis of scanning densitometry for p-IKKα (B); p-IKKβ (C); p-IκBα (D); p-NF-κB (E). ** p < 0.01 vs. control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, IKKα: IκB kinase α, p-IKKα: phosphor-IKKα, IKKβ: IκB kinase β, p-IKKβ: phosphor-IKKβ, IκBα: inhibitor of κBα, p-IκBα: phosphor-IκBα, NF-κB: nuclear factor-kappa B, p-NF-κB: phosphor-NF-κB. Full article ">Figure 6
Effects of PGS pretreatment on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway against cisplatin-caused renal damage in mice. The expression levels of p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, and Akt were measured by Western blotting (A). Quantitative analysis of scanning densitometry for p-Akt (B); p-PI3K (C). ** p < 0.01 vs. control group; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01 vs. cisplatin group. PGS: Platycodon grandiflorum saponins, Akt: Protein kinase B, p-Akt: phosphor-Akt, PI3K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p-PI3K: phosphor-PI3K. Full article ">

16 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hairless Canaryseed: A Novel Cereal with Health Promoting Potential

by Emily Mason, Lamia L’Hocine, Allaoua Achouri and Salwa Karboune

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091327 - 19 Sep 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9790

Abstract

Glabrous canaryseeds were recently approved for human consumption as a novel cereal grain in Canada and the United States. Previously, canaryseeds were exclusively used as birdseed due to the presence of carcinogenic silica fibers; therefore the nutritional value of the seeds has been [...] Read more.

Glabrous canaryseeds were recently approved for human consumption as a novel cereal grain in Canada and the United States. Previously, canaryseeds were exclusively used as birdseed due to the presence of carcinogenic silica fibers; therefore the nutritional value of the seeds has been seriously overlooked. Two cultivars of glabrous canaryseeds (yellow and brown) were created from the hairy varieties. They are high in protein compared to other cereal grains, and contain high amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid normally lacking in cereals, and are gluten-free. Bioactive peptides of canaryseeds produced by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive activity. The seeds contain other constituents with health promoting effects, including unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and phytochemicals. Anti-nutritional components in the seeds are comparable to other cereal grains. Because of their beneficial health effects, canaryseeds should be regarded as a healthy food and have immense potential as a functional food and ingredient. Further research is required to determine additional bioactive peptide activity and capacity, as well as differences between the yellow and brown cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Bioactive Peptides on Human Health)

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17 pages, 4856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soybean Oil-Derived Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids Enhance Liver Damage in NAFLD Induced by Dietary Cholesterol

by Janin Henkel, Eugenia Alfine, Juliana Saín, Korinna Jöhrens, Daniela Weber, José P. Castro, Jeannette König, Christin Stuhlmann, Madita Vahrenbrink, Wenke Jonas, André Kleinridders and Gerhard P. Püschel

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091326 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9633

Abstract

While the impact of dietary cholesterol on the progression of atherosclerosis has probably been overestimated, increasing evidence suggests that dietary cholesterol might favor the transition from blunt steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially in combination with high fat diets. It is poorly understood [...] Read more.

While the impact of dietary cholesterol on the progression of atherosclerosis has probably been overestimated, increasing evidence suggests that dietary cholesterol might favor the transition from blunt steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially in combination with high fat diets. It is poorly understood how cholesterol alone or in combination with other dietary lipid components contributes to the development of lipotoxicity. The current study demonstrated that liver damage caused by dietary cholesterol in mice was strongly enhanced by a high fat diet containing soybean oil-derived ω6-poly-unsaturated fatty acids (ω6-PUFA), but not by a lard-based high fat diet containing mainly saturated fatty acids. In contrast to the lard-based diet the soybean oil-based diet augmented cholesterol accumulation in hepatocytes, presumably by impairing cholesterol-eliminating pathways. The soybean oil-based diet enhanced cholesterol-induced mitochondrial damage and amplified the ensuing oxidative stress, probably by peroxidation of poly-unsaturated fatty acids. This resulted in hepatocyte death, recruitment of inflammatory cells, and fibrosis, and caused a transition from steatosis to NASH, doubling the NASH activity score. Thus, the recommendation to reduce cholesterol intake, in particular in diets rich in ω6-PUFA, although not necessary to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, might be sensible for patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intake and the Risk for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD))

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Increase in body weight, fat mass and insulin resistance in mice fed a CHO + SOY or CHO + LAR diet for 20 weeks. (A) Cumulative body weight change. (B) Fat mass in week 20. (C) Insulin resistance index was calculated by the sum of the products of insulin concentration × glucose concentration during the oral glucose tolerance test. Values are median (line), upper- and lower quartile (box) and extremes (whiskers) of 17–35 (A,B) or 8–10 (C) mice per group. Statistics: Multiple Student’s t-test for unpaired samples (A) or one-way-ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons (B,C). * p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 2
Diet-induced changes in serum and liver lipids after 20 weeks. (A) Cholesterol concentrations in serum. (B) Triglyceride concentrations in serum. (C) Levels of free and esterified cholesterol in liver. (D) Triglyceride levels in liver. Values are median (line), upper- and lower quartile (box) and extremes (whiskers) (A,B,D) or mean and sem (C) of 17–35 mice per group. Statistics: One-way-ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. *: p < 0.05. Separate statistic for free and esterified cholesterol (C): #: vs. STD, $: vs. CHO + STD, §: vs. CHO+ LAD with p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 3
Markers of cholesterol metabolism in mice fed a cholesterol-containing diet for 20 weeks. Relative mRNA expression of the cholesterol transporters ATP-binding cassette sub-family G (Abcg) member 5 (A) and 8 (B), the cholesterol- metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 family 27 a1 (Cyp27a1, C) and family 7 a1 (Cyp7a1, D) as well as the transporters for the cholesterol intake LDL receptor (Ldlr, E) and LDL receptor related protein 1 (Lrp1, F) in mice liver. Values are median (line), upper- and lower quartile (box) and extremes (whiskers) of 17–35 mice per group. Statistics: One-way-ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. *: p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 4
CHO + SOY diet induced steatohepatitis with steatosis, fibrosis, and macrophage infiltration. Mice received the diets for 20 weeks. Representative microphotographs of liver sections, magnification 10× or 20×. Full article ">Figure 5
Enhanced macrophage infiltration, inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in mice fed a CHO + SOY diet. Mice received the diets for 20 weeks. (A) Relative mRNA expression of the chemokine Ccl2 (alternative name Mcp-1) in mice liver. (B) Quantification of F4/80-stained microphotographs of the liver. (C,D,E,F) Relative mRNA expression of the macrophage markers Cd68 (C) and Cd11b (D, gene name Itgam), the cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α, E) and the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (F, alternative name iNos) in mice liver. (G) Quantification of hepatocyte apoptosis by TUNEL assay. (H) Quantification of Sirius Red-stained microphotographs of the liver calculated by dense intensity of Sirius Red relative to the amount of cytosolic background per field in 5 randomly chosen microphotographs per liver section. (I) Relative mRNA expression of the fibrosis marker collagen 1a1 (Col1a1) in mice liver. Values are median (line), upper- and lower quartile (box) and extremes (whiskers) of 17–35 (A,C,D,E,F,I), 4–7 (B,G) or 13–16 (H) mice per group. Statistics: One-way-ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. *: p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 6
Increased mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress in mice fed a CHO + SOY diet for 20 weeks. (A,B) Hepatic protein expression of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes (A) and PGC-1α (B). Dense intensity was normalized to Ponceau S staining, which was verified on the same Western blot membrane as a loading control and calculated relative to the STD group in each gel. A representative blot is shown. All original blots are provided in the <a href="#app1-nutrients-10-01326" class="html-app">Supplementary Material, Figures S1 and S2</a>. (C) Concentration of malondialdehyde in liver as a marker of lipid peroxidation. (D) Determination of protein carbonyls in liver homogenates verified by oxyblot with Ponceau staining as a loading control. Blots were cut at the dotted lines. Original blots are shown in the <a href="#app1-nutrients-10-01326" class="html-app">Supplementary Material, Figure S3</a>. Values are median (line), upper- and lower quartile (box) and extremes (whiskers) of 8–10 (A,B) or 9–28 (C) mice per group. Statistics: One-way-ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. *: p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 7
Enhanced mitochondrial damage but no signs of inflammation in mice fed a CHO + SOY diet for 19 days. Mice received the STD CHO + SOY diet for 20 weeks or 19 days. (A) Representative H&E-stained microphotographs of the liver. (B) Hepatic protein expression of PGC-1α after 20 week and 19 days feeding intervention. Dense intensity was normalized to Ponceau S staining, which was verified on the same Western blot membrane as a loading control and calculated relative to the STD group in each gel. A representative blot is shown. All original blots are provided in the <a href="#app1-nutrients-10-01326" class="html-app">Supplementary Material, Figure S4</a>. (C) Quantification of F4/80-stained microphotographs of the liver calculated by dense intensity of F4/80 relative to the amount of cytosolic background per field in 5 randomly chosen microphotographs per liver section. (D,E) Relative mRNA expression of Ccl2 (D, alternative name Mcp-1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α, E) in mice liver. Values are median (line), upper- and lower quartile (box) and extremes (whiskers) of 6 (B,C) or 6–7 (D,E) mice per group. Statistics: One-way-ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. *: p < 0.05. Full article ">

16 pages, 2771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Calcium Binding Peptides from Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) Bone: Calcium Bioavailability Enhancing Activity and Anti-Osteoporosis Effects in the Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis Rat Model

by Kai Zhang, Bafang Li, Qianru Chen, Zhaohui Zhang, Xue Zhao and Hu Hou

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091325 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7282

Abstract

Calcium binding peptides from Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) bone have attracted attention due to their potential effects on bone health. In this study, calcium binding peptides (CBP) were prepared from Pacific cod bone by trypsin and neutral protease. Ultraviolet spectra, circular [...] Read more.

Calcium binding peptides from Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) bone have attracted attention due to their potential effects on bone health. In this study, calcium binding peptides (CBP) were prepared from Pacific cod bone by trypsin and neutral protease. Ultraviolet spectra, circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that carboxyl and amino groups in CBP could bind to Ca²⁺, and form the peptide-calcium complex (CBP-Ca). Single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) experiments indicated that the intestinal calcium absorption was significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) in CBP-Ca treated Wistar rats. The anti-osteoporosis activity of CBP-Ca was investigated in the ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar rat model. The administration of CBP-Ca significantly (p < 0.01) improved the calcium bioavailability, trabecular bone structure, bone biomechanical properties, bone mineral density, and bone mineralization degree. CBP-Ca notably (p < 0.01) increased serum calcium, however, it remarkably (p < 0.01) reduced the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b), and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) in serum. Results suggested that the cod bone derived CBP could bind with calcium, improve the intestinal calcium absorption, calcium bioavailability, and serum calcium, then reduce the bone turnover rate, and thus ameliorate osteoporosis. Full article

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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
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In situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) system. Full article ">Figure 2
Structural differences of calcium binding peptide (CBP) and CBP-Ca in solution. (A) UV absorption spectra; (B) circular dichroism spectroscopic data; (C) proportions of secondary structures; (D) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Full article ">Figure 3
Effects of CBP-Ca on intestinal calcium absorption. The calcium percent absorption (A), calcium absorption rate constant (Ka) (B), and calcium effective permeability (Peff) (C) comparisons of CaCl2 and CBP-Ca in four different intestinal segments. All values are expressed as the mean ± SD. (each n = 6). ** p < 0.01. Full article ">Figure 4
Effects of CBP-Ca on the uterine indices (A) and organ indices of different internal organs (B). All values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 7/group). Different lowercases letters representing significant differences (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
Effect of CBP-Ca on bone (left tibias) histomorphometry. Left tibias were dissected, eliminated the adhering tissues, fixed with methanol, decalcified, stained with the hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining technique, and observed under an Olympus BX41 optical microscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan, magnification ×40). Full article ">Figure 6
Effects of CBP-Ca on bone properties (n = 7/group). The rats were treated for 12 weeks, then their femurs and tibias were dissected for measurements of the weight of the right femurs (A), the calcium content of the right femurs (B), the bone biomechanical properties of the left femurs (C), the BMD of the right tibias (D), and the bone mineralization degree of the right tibias (E). Different lowercase letters denote statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 7
Effects of CBP-Ca on bone turnover markers of OVX rats (n = 7/group). All rats were treated for 12 weeks, and the blood was collected. Then the serum was separated for measurements of the content of serum calcium (A) and phosphorus (B), osteocalcin (OCN) (C), the serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity (D), the content of C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) (E), and the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) activity (F). Different lowercase letters denote statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Full article ">

18 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breakfast Consumption in Spain: Patterns, Nutrient Intake and Quality. Findings from the ANIBES Study, a Study from the International Breakfast Research Initiative

by Emma Ruiz, José Manuel Ávila, Teresa Valero, Paula Rodriguez and Gregorio Varela-Moreiras

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091324 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7186

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate energy, nutrient and food group intakes at breakfast in Spain and to examine for the first time, their relationship to the overall Diet Quality (DQ). The data used were from the Spanish ANIBES (anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate energy, nutrient and food group intakes at breakfast in Spain and to examine for the first time, their relationship to the overall Diet Quality (DQ). The data used were from the Spanish ANIBES (anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain), a cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample of the Spanish population (9–75 years old). DQ was assessed using the Nutrient Rich Foods Index, adapted to total diets (NRF9.3d). Most (>85%) of the Spanish population were regular breakfast consumers, although one in five adolescents were breakfast skippers. Breakfast provides just 16–19% of the daily intake of energy. Relative to its daily energy contribution, the Spanish breakfast contributed a higher proportion of daily total carbohydrates, added sugars, sodium, thiamin, riboflavin, folates, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and especially in calcium. By contrast, the breakfast is low in water intake, protein, dietary fibre, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, beta-carotene and vitamins E and D. In children and teenagers, the most commonly consumed breakfast food was chocolate (mainly as chocolate-flavoured milk and powder), followed by bakery and pastry, whole milk and semi-skimmed milk. In the older groups, a bigger variety of foods were reported. Consumers in the highest NRF9.3d tertile for diet quality tended to have a higher intake of positive nutrients at breakfast than other tertiles, most notably among adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Breakfast Research Consortium)

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10 pages, 670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of White Rice and White Bread as Staple Foods on Gut Microbiota and Host Metabolism

by Fumika Mano, Kaori Ikeda, Erina Joo, Yoshihito Fujita, Shunsuke Yamane, Norio Harada and Nobuya Inagaki

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091323 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9735

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of two kinds of major Japanese staple foods, white rice and white bread, on gut microbiota against the background in which participants eat common side dishes. Seven healthy subjects completed the dietary intervention [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of two kinds of major Japanese staple foods, white rice and white bread, on gut microbiota against the background in which participants eat common side dishes. Seven healthy subjects completed the dietary intervention with two 1-week test periods with a 1-week wash-out period in cross-over design (UMIN registration UMIN000023142). White bread or white rice and 21 frozen prepared side dishes were consumed during the test periods. At baseline and at the end of each period, fasting blood samples, breath samples, and fecal samples were collected. For fecal samples, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota. After the bread period, the abundance of fecal Bifidobacterium genus (19.2 ± 14.5 vs. 6.2 ± 6.6 (%), p = 0.03), fasting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) (13.6 ± 2.0 vs. 10.5 ± 2.9 (pg/mL), p = 0.03), and breath hydrogen (23.4 ± 9.9 vs. 8.2 ± 5.5 (ppm), p = 0.02) were significantly higher than those of after the rice period. Plasma SCFAs also tended to be higher after the bread period. White bread contains more dietary fiber than refined short grain rice. These findings suggest that indigestible carbohydrate intake from short grain rice as a staple food may be smaller than that of white bread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbohydrate Intake in Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Treatment)

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13 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among School Children and Adolescents Living in Northern Italy and Unhealthy Food Behaviors Associated to Overweight

by Francesca Archero, Roberta Ricotti, Arianna Solito, Deborah Carrera, Federica Civello, Rosina Di Bella, Simonetta Bellone and Flavia Prodam

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091322 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 7398

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the differences in Mediterranean diet and its components among primary and secondary school children and adolescents living in northern Italy, and the associations with the weight status. Adherence was assessed by the KIDMED (Mediterranean Diet [...] Read more.

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the differences in Mediterranean diet and its components among primary and secondary school children and adolescents living in northern Italy, and the associations with the weight status. Adherence was assessed by the KIDMED (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index) questionnaire on 669 subjects (6–16 years) attending five schools of Novara. The adherence was poor in 16.7%, average in 63.7%, and high in 19.6% of the students. Poor adherence was more frequent in primary than in secondary schools (20.7% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.04). Some unhealthy behaviors were more prevalent in younger children. Children of other ethnic origins had a mixed behavior, choosing both traditional healthy and unhealthy foods. Besides male gender and primary school, in Italian children, the risk of overweight was directly associated with eating at fast-food restaurants (OR: 1.890, CI 95% 1.002–3.563), and inversely with consumption of vegetables more than once a day (OR: 0.588, CI 95% 0.349–0.991), and olive oil at home (OR: 0.382, CI 95% 0.176–0.826). In children of other ethnic origins, this risk was associated with skipping breakfast (OR: 16.046, CI 95% 1.933–133.266), or consuming commercial baked good or pastries for breakfast (OR: 10.255, CI 95% 1.052–99.927). The overall KIDMED score correlated with height (β: 0.108; p < 0.005). Poor food quality is replacing the Mediterranean dietary pattern in children and adolescents, in particular among younger children. Because the risk of overweight was associated with different components of the Mediterranean diet depending on ethnic origins, tailored nutritional programs remain a need. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet)

24 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Lutein on Eye and Extra-Eye Health

by Silvio Buscemi, Davide Corleo, Francesco Di Pace, Maria Letizia Petroni, Angela Satriano and Giulio Marchesini

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091321 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 169 | Viewed by 26880

Abstract

Lutein is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health. In particular, lutein is known to improve or even prevent age-related macular disease which is the leading cause of [...] Read more.

Lutein is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health. In particular, lutein is known to improve or even prevent age-related macular disease which is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment. Furthermore, many studies have reported that lutein may also have positive effects in different clinical conditions, thus ameliorating cognitive function, decreasing the risk of cancer, and improving measures of cardiovascular health. At present, the available data have been obtained from both observational studies investigating lutein intake with food, and a few intervention trials assessing the efficacy of lutein supplementation. In general, sustained lutein consumption, either through diet or supplementation, may contribute to reducing the burden of several chronic diseases. However, there are also conflicting data concerning lutein efficacy in inducing favorable effects on human health and there are no univocal data concerning the most appropriate dosage for daily lutein supplementation. Therefore, based on the most recent findings, this review will focus on lutein properties, dietary sources, usual intake, efficacy in human health, and toxicity. Full article

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17 pages, 2098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Astaxanthin Inhibits Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Interleukin-8 Expression in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells

by Suhn Hyung Kim, Joo Weon Lim and Hyeyoung Kim

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091320 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 7610

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to gastric inflammation, peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori activates NADPH oxidase and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Dysfunctional mitochondria trigger inflammatory cytokine production. Peroxisome [...] Read more.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to gastric inflammation, peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori activates NADPH oxidase and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Dysfunctional mitochondria trigger inflammatory cytokine production. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ) regulate inflammatory response. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative stress. The present study was aimed at determining whether astaxanthin inhibits H. pylori-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, NF-κB activation, and IL-8 expression via PPAR-γ activation in gastric epithelial cells. Gastric epithelial AGS cells were treated with astaxanthin, NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin and PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662, and infected with H. pylori. As a result, H. pylori caused an increase in intracellular and mitochondrial ROS, NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression, but decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level. Astaxanthin inhibited H. pylori-induced alterations (increased ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, NF-κB activation, and IL-8 expression). Astaxanthin activated PPAR-γ and its target gene catalase in H. pylori-infected cells. Apocynin reduced ROS and inhibited IL-8 expression while astaxanthin did not affect NADPH oxidase activity. Inhibitory effects of astaxanthin on ROS levels and IL-8 expression were suppressed by addition of GW9662. In conclusion, astaxanthin inhibits H. pylori-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS-mediated IL-8 expression by activating PPAR-γ and catalase in gastric epithelial cells. Astaxanthin may be beneficial for preventing oxidative stress-mediated gastric inflammation-associated H. pylori infection. Full article

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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
Effect of astaxanthin on ROS levels and mitochondrial dysfunction in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. The cells were pre-treated with the indicated concentrations of astaxanthin for 3 h and then stimulated with H. pylori for 1 h. (A) Intracellular ROS levels measured by DCF-DA fluorescence for uninfected AGS cells (None), AGS cells infected with H. pylori (Control; * p < 0.05 vs. None), AGS cells infected with H. pylori and treated with 1 or 5 μM astaxanthin (AST; + p < 0.05 vs. Control). (B) Mitochondrial ROS levels were measured by MitoSOX fluorescence and reported the same as in (A). (C) MMP of AGS cells without infection (None), infected with H. pylori alone (Control) or with H. pylori infection plus treatment of 5 μM astaxanthin (+AST) and stained with JC-1 dye and visualized with a confocal laser scanning microscope. (D) Relative ratios of red and green fluorescence densities of uninfected AGS cells (None), H. pylori-infected AGS cells (Control; * p < 0.05 vs. None) and H. pylori infection plus treatment of 5 μM astaxanthin (+AST; + p < 0.05 vs. Control). (E) Relative intracellular ATP levels measured for uninfected and infected AGS cells. See (A) for key to figure labels. Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of astaxanthin on NF-κB activation and IκBα and IL-8 levels in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. The AGS cells were pre-treated with the indicated concentrations of astaxanthin for 3 h and then stimulated with H. pylori for 1 h (for NF-kB activation, IκBα level), 4 h (for IL-8 mRNA level), and 24 h (for IL-8 protein level in the medium). (A) Audioradiogram of the EMSA gel on which nuclear extracts treated with a [32P]-oligonucleotide NF-κB probe were chromatographed. Column “None” corresponds to the uninfected AGS cell extract, column “Control” to the H. pylori–infected AGS cell extract, and columns “1” and “5”to the extracts of H. pylori–infected AGS cells pre-treated with 1 and 5 μM astaxanthin, respectively. (B) Western blot analysis of IκBα (and the protein standard actin) present in uninfected cells (column “None”), H. pylori–infected cells (column “Control”), and H. pylori–infected cells pre-treated with 1 and 5 μM astaxanthin, respectively (columns “1” and “5”). (C) Plot of the relative amounts of IL-8 mRNA present in uninfected AGS cells (column “None”), H. pylori–infected AGS cells (column “Control”), and H. pylori–infected cells pre-treated with 1 and 5 μM astaxanthin, respectively (columns “1” and “5”). (D) Plot of the concentration of the protein IL-8 in the media of uninfected AGS cells (column “None”), H. pylori–infected cells (column “Control”), and H. pylori–infected cells pre-treated with 1 and 5 μM astaxanthin, respectively (columns “1” and “5”). * p < 0.05 vs. “None”; + p < 0.05 vs. “Control”. Full article ">Figure 3
Effect of apocynin on ROS levels and IL-8 expression and effect of astaxanthin on NADPH oxidase activity in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. The AGS cells were pre-treated with the indicated concentrations of a NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin for 3 h and then stimulated with H. pylori for 1 h (for intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels), 4 h (for IL-8 mRNA level), and 24 h (for IL-8 protein level in the medium). (A) Plot of the relative ROS level in AGS cells measured by DCF-DA fluorescence. Column “None” corresponds to uninfected AGS cells, column “Control” to H. pylori-infected AGS cells, and columns “0.2” and “1” to H. pylori-infected AGS cells pretreated with 0.2 and 1 μM apocynin, respectively. (B) Plot of the relative mitochondrial ROS level in AGS cells measured by MitoSOX fluorescence. The description of the columns is the same as in (A). (C) mRNA expression of IL-8 was determined by real-time PCR analysis. The description of the columns is the same as in (A). (D) Plot of the relative concentration of IL-8 in the media of cultured AGS cells determined by using the ELISA method. The description of the columns is the same as in (A). (E) Plot of the relative NADPH oxidase activity in AGS cells. The cells were pre-treated with 5 μM astaxanthin for 3 h and then stimulated with H. pylori for 1 h. NADPH oxidase activity was measured by lucigenin assay. The description of the columns is the same as in (A). * p < 0.05 vs. None; + p < 0.05 vs. Control. Full article ">Figure 4
The effect of astaxanthin on the expression and activation of PPAR-γ and catalase in H. pylori –infected AGS cells. The cells were pre-treated with the indicated concentrations of astaxanthin for 3 h and then stimulated with H. pylori for 1 h. (A) DNA binding activity of PPAR was determined by EMSA. (B) Protein level of PPAR-γ was determined by Western blot analysis. (C) Protein level of catalase was determined by Western blot analysis. (D) Catalase activity in the sample was determined by catalase assay kit. * p < 0.05 vs. none (cells without any treatment or stimulation); + p < 0.05 vs. control (cells with H. pylori stimulation alone). Full article ">Figure 5
The effect of GW9662 on ROS levels and IL-8 expression in H. pylori—infected AGS cells treated vs not treated with astaxanthin. The cells were treated with astaxanthin (5 μM) for 3 h without, or in combination with, the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (5 μM), and then stimulated with H. pylori for 1 h (for intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels), 4 h (for IL-8 mRNA level), and 24 h (for IL-8 protein level in the medium). (A) A plot of the relative intracellular ROS levels measured by DCF-DA fluorescence. (B) A plot of the relative mitochondrial ROS level measured by MitoSOX fluorescence. (C) A plot of the relative mRNA expression of IL-8 determined by real-time PCR analysis. (D) A plot of the concentration of IL-8 in the media determined by ELISA. * p < 0.05 vs. cells without any treatment or stimulation; + p < 0.05 vs. cells with H. pylori stimulation alone; ++ p < 0.05 vs. cells with astaxanthin treatment and H. pylori stimulation. “−“ means without treatment or stimulation. “+” means with treatment or stimulation. Full article ">

11 pages, 2907 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the Primary Prevention of Eczema in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Hania Szajewska and Andrea Horvath

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091319 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9113

Abstract

Current guidelines recommend the use of probiotics to reduce the risk of eczema. It remains unclear which strain(s) to use. We systematically evaluated data on the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation prenatally and/or postnatally for the primary prevention of eczema. The [...] Read more.

Current guidelines recommend the use of probiotics to reduce the risk of eczema. It remains unclear which strain(s) to use. We systematically evaluated data on the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation prenatally and/or postnatally for the primary prevention of eczema. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched up to August 2018, with no language restrictions, for systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and RCTs published afterwards. The primary outcome was eczema. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A random-effects model was used to pool data. Heterogeneity was explored using the I² statistics. The GRADE criteria were used to assess the overall quality of evidence supporting the primary outcome. Seven publications reporting 5 RCTs (889 participants) were included. High to moderate certainty in the body of evidence suggests that LGG supplementation (regardless of the timing of administration) did not reduce the risk of eczema. There was also no consistent effect on other allergic outcomes. This meta-analysis shows that LGG was ineffective in reducing eczema. It does not support the general recommendation to use probiotics for preventing eczema, unless specific strains would be indicated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Prebiotics in Pediatrics)

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19 pages, 2073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Repressed Exercise-Induced Hepcidin Levels after Danggui Buxue Tang Supplementation in Male Recreational Runners

by Chih-Wei Chang, Chao-Yen Chen, Ching-Chi Yen, Yu-Tse Wu and Mei-Chich Hsu

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091318 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6997

Abstract

This study was to investigate the protective and recovery effects of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) supplementation on exercise performance, hepcidin, iron status, and other related biochemical parameters after being challenged by a single bout of intense aerobic exercise. A total of 36 recreationally [...] Read more.

This study was to investigate the protective and recovery effects of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) supplementation on exercise performance, hepcidin, iron status, and other related biochemical parameters after being challenged by a single bout of intense aerobic exercise. A total of 36 recreationally active males were pair-matched and randomly assigned to receive DBT or a placebo for 11 days, while using clusters based on their aerobic capacities. On the eighth day of the supplementation, the participants performed a 13-km run with maximal effort. Blood and urine samples were collected and analysed before treatment (Pre-Tre) and immediately after (Post-Ex), 24 h after (24-h Rec), and 72 h after (72-h Rec) the run. DBT supplementation dramatically shortened the finish times by 14.0% (12.3 min) when compared with that in the placebo group. Significant group × time effects were observed in serum hepcidin and iron levels. DBT supplementation repressed hepcidin levels at Post-Ex and 24-h Rec, thereby causing a significant increase in iron levels by 63.3% and 31.4% at Post-Ex and 72-h Rec, respectively. However, DBT supplementation had no significant anti-inflammatory or haemolysis-preventative effects. Short-term DBT supplementation shortened the running time and repressed exercise-induced hepcidin levels, thereby boosting iron levels and accelerating iron homeostasis during recovery. Full article

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Figure 1
Flowchart of participant enrollment, allocation, and treatment. Full article ">Figure 2
The chromatogram of DBT analysed using (a) HPLC-ELSD and (b) HPLC-PDA. 1 astragaloside IV, 2 ferulic acid, 3 ligustilide, 4 n-butylidenephthalide. Full article ">Figure 3
Relationship between VO2max and finish time in each group as analysed using Spearman’s correlation (r = −0.925, p < 0.001, slope = −1.203 in control group; r = −0.649, p < 0.05, slope = −0.682 in DBT group). Full article ">Figure 4
Changes in serum levels of (a) hepcidin, (b) iron, (c) ferritin, and (d) haptoglobin. † Significant group × time effect (p < 0.05) analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. # p = 0.050, * p < 0.050, ** p < 0.010, *** p < 0.001 as compared with Pre-Tre in each independent group using paired t-test. Full article ">Figure 5
Changes in serum levels of (a) malondialdehyde (MDA), (b) superoxide dismutase (SOD), (c) catalase (CAT), and plasma levels of (d) glutathione peroxidase (GPx). † Significant group × time effect (p < 0.05) analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. * p < 0.050, ** p < 0.010, *** p < 0.001 as compared with Pre-Tre in each independent group using paired t-test. Full article ">

11 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Long-Term Walnut Supplementation on Body Weight in Free-Living Elderly: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

by Edward Bitok, Sujatha Rajaram, Karen Jaceldo-Siegl, Keiji Oda, Aleix Sala-Vila, Mercè Serra-Mir, Emilio Ros and Joan Sabaté

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091317 - 18 Sep 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 12120

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of chronic walnut consumption on body weight and adiposity in elderly individuals. Methods: The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study is a dual-center (Barcelona, Spain and Loma Linda University (LLU)), 2-year randomized parallel trial. This report concerns [...] Read more.

Objective: To assess the effects of chronic walnut consumption on body weight and adiposity in elderly individuals. Methods: The Walnuts and Healthy Aging study is a dual-center (Barcelona, Spain and Loma Linda University (LLU)), 2-year randomized parallel trial. This report concerns only the LLU cohort. Healthy elders (mean age 69 year, 67% women) were randomly assigned to walnut (n = 183) or control diets (n = 173). Subjects in the walnut group received packaged walnuts (28–56 g/day), equivalent to ≈15% of daily energy requirements, to incorporate into their habitual diet, while those in the control group abstained from walnuts. Adiposity was measured periodically, and data were adjusted for in-trial changes in self-reported physical activity. Results: After 2 years, body weight significantly decreased (p = 0.031), while body fat significantly increased (p = 0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed between the control and walnut groups regarding body weight (−0.6 kg and −0.4 kg, respectively, p = 0.67) or body fat (+0.9% and +1.3%, respectively, p = 0.53). Lean body mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio remained essentially unchanged. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the findings of primary analysis. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that walnuts can be incorporated into the daily diet of healthy elders without concern for adverse effects on body weight or body composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropometry, Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Human)

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16 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Senior Secondary School Food Literacy Education: Importance, Challenges, and Ways of Improving

by Janandani Nanayakkara, Claire Margerison and Anthony Worsley

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091316 - 17 Sep 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8096

Abstract

Food literacy education at senior secondary school can provide both immediate and long-term benefits for adolescents. The exploration of multiple stakeholder groups’ opinions regarding the importance, roles, and challenges of school food literacy education, and their suggestions for its improvement, will help the [...] Read more.

Food literacy education at senior secondary school can provide both immediate and long-term benefits for adolescents. The exploration of multiple stakeholder groups’ opinions regarding the importance, roles, and challenges of school food literacy education, and their suggestions for its improvement, will help the design and execution of future food literacy-related curricula and programmes. This study explored a broad range of Australian and international food, health, and education professionals’ opinions regarding senior secondary school food literacy education through an online survey. One hundred and fifty-five food, health, and education professionals completed this survey between April and October 2017. Overall, the respondents strongly supported the need for food literacy education for senior secondary school students. Their suggestions for improving this form of education included: incorporation of relevant and up-to-date content, the presence of strong practical components, offering food literacy as compulsory subjects or the incorporation of food literacy concepts into compulsory core subjects. Moreover, they proposed the active contribution of both internal and external stakeholders in the planning and delivery of this education to upgrade its quality and relevance. Overall, the findings suggest that a wide range of food, health, and education professionals are highly supportive of senior secondary school food literacy education and their constructive suggestions should be considered in school food literacy education enhancement efforts. Education authorities should seek ways of involving different stakeholders, including food-related professionals, in the design and delivery of food literacy education, and future studies should explore the best mechanisms for such involvement. Full article

15 pages, 1081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E from Palm Oil (Tocovid) and Its Effects in Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy: A Pilot Phase II Clinical Trial

by Suzanne May Quinn Tan, Yilynn Chiew, Badariah Ahmad and Khalid Abdul Kadir

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091315 - 17 Sep 2018

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 10607

Abstract

Tocotrienol-rich vitamin E from palm oil (Tocovid) has been shown to ameliorate diabetes through its superior antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in diabetic rats. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tocovid on diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Baseline [...] Read more.

Tocotrienol-rich vitamin E from palm oil (Tocovid) has been shown to ameliorate diabetes through its superior antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in diabetic rats. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tocovid on diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Baseline parameters of potential subjects such as HbA1c, blood pressure, Advanced Glycation Endproduct (AGE), soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE), Nε-Carboxymethyllysine (Nε-CML), and Cystatin C were assessed for possible correlation with diabetic nephropathy. Only subjects with diabetic nephropathy or urine microalbuminuria-positive defined as Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (UACR) >10 mg/mmol were recruited into a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The intervention group (n = 22) received Tocovid 200 mg twice a day while the control group (n = 23) received placebo twice a day for 8 weeks. Changes in Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, serum biomarkers and renal parameters such as UACR, serum creatinine, and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) were compared between the two groups. It was found that serum Nε-CML significantly correlated to the severity of microalbuminuria. For every 1 ng/mL increase in serum Nε-CML, the odds of diabetic nephropathy increased by 1.476 times. Tocovid, compared to placebo, significantly reduced serum creatinine but not eGFR, UACR, HbA1c, blood pressure, and serum biomarkers. In conclusion, serum Nε-CML is a potential biomarker for diabetic nephropathy. Treatment with Tocovid significantly reduced serum creatinine; therefore Tocovid may be a useful addition to the current treatment for diabetic nephropathy. Full article

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12 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissociation of Fatty Liver and Insulin Resistance in I148M PNPLA3 Carriers: Differences in Diacylglycerol (DAG) FA18:1 Lipid Species as a Possible Explanation

by Andras Franko, Dietrich Merkel, Marketa Kovarova, Miriam Hoene, Benjamin A. Jaghutriz, Martin Heni, Alfred Königsrainer, Cyrus Papan, Stefan Lehr, Hans-Ulrich Häring and Andreas Peter

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091314 - 17 Sep 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5755

Abstract

Fatty liver is tightly associated with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. I148M variant in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene is associated with high liver fat but normal insulin sensitivity. The underlying mechanism of the disassociation between high [...] Read more.

Fatty liver is tightly associated with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. I148M variant in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene is associated with high liver fat but normal insulin sensitivity. The underlying mechanism of the disassociation between high liver fat but normal insulin sensitivity remains obscure. We investigated the effect of I148M variant on hepatic lipidome of subjects with or without fatty liver, using the Lipidyzer method. Liver samples of four groups of subjects consisting of normal liver fat with wild-type PNPLA3 allele (group 1); normal liver fat with variant PNPLA3 allele (group 2); high liver fat with wild-type PNPLA3 allele (group 3); high liver fat with variant PNPLA3 allele (group 4); were analyzed. When high liver fat to normal liver fat groups were compared, wild-type carriers (group 3 vs. group 1) showed similar lipid changes compared to I148M PNPLA3 carriers (group 4 vs. group 2). On the other hand, in wild-type carriers, increased liver fat significantly elevated the proportion of specific DAGs (diacylglycerols), mostly DAG (FA18:1) which, however, remained unchanged in I148M PNPLA3 carriers. Since DAG (FA18:1) has been implicated in hepatic insulin resistance, the unaltered proportion of DAG (FA18:1) in I148M PNPLA3 carriers with fatty liver may explain the normal insulin sensitivity in these subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intake and the Risk for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD))

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Figure 1
Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plot. Each spot represents one liver sample of the denoted group according to component 1 (x axis) and 2 (y axis). Dashed lines denote possible separation of the groups taking into account all 761 individual lipid species. TAG: liver triacylglycerol content; wt: wild-type allele with I148I; var: I148M variants, which encode I148M (heterozygous) or M148M (homozygous) variants, respectively. Full article ">Figure 2
Individual DAGs and their sums, which are significantly changed due to high vs. normal TAG level in subjects with wild-type PNPLA3 (first diagram) and I148M PNPLA3 carriers (second diagram). Column diagrams depict linear fold changes calculated from the proportion of relative individual lipid species and sums, which were significantly altered due to increased liver TAG content in wild-type carriers (first diagram) or in I148M PNPLA3 carriers (second diagram). Positive ratios denote lipids, which are higher in subjects with high liver TAG content compared to normal TAG group, whereas negative ratios denote lipids, which are lower in subjects with high liver TAG content compared to normal TAG group. For DAGs, both fatty acid chains were determined (see as DAG(XX:X/YY:Y). First numbers denote the length of fatty acid chain and second number after “:” denote the number of double bounds. DAG(FAXX:X) depict the sum of DAGs with the denoted fatty acid chain (FA). Bold lipids depict DAG(FA18:1) lipid species, which are significantly increased in wild-type PNPLA3 carriers, but remained unchanged in I148M PNPLA3 carriers. TAG: liver triacylglycerol content; wt: wild-type allele with I148I; var: I148M variants, which encode I148M (heterozygous) or M148M (homozygous) variants, respectively. ns: non-significant differences. Full article ">Figure 3
Hypothetical scheme showing the association between I148M PNPLA3 variant and normal insulin sensitivity. Arrows demonstrate higher (↑) or lower (↓) metabolite contents, transcript levels, enzyme activities or insulin sensitivity, respectively. Previous data shown, that liver fat content is positively associated with hepatic mRNA expression of PNPLA3, which was not altered in subjects carrying I148M PNPLA3 variant [<a href="#B10-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">10</a>,<a href="#B14-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">14</a>,<a href="#B32-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">32</a>]. Our lipid data showed that hepatic DAG (FA18:1) species were elevated in fatty liver of wild-type PNPLA3 carriers (A), which was not observed in I148M PNPLA3 carriers (B). Elevated DAG (FA18:1) in the liver was shown to activate protein kinase c epsilon (PKCε), which, in turn, reduces tyrosin phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 2 (P-Tyr-IRS2) [<a href="#B22-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">22</a>,<a href="#B23-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">23</a>], a key molecule transmitting insulin signaling in the liver [<a href="#B39-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">39</a>]. Due to the attenuated tyrosin phosphorylation of IRS2, insulin sensitivity could be impaired (as postulated earlier [<a href="#B22-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">22</a>,<a href="#B23-nutrients-10-01314" class="html-bibr">23</a>]) in subjects carrying wild-type PNPLA3 allele, but not in I148M PNPLA3 carriers. Full article ">

13 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Marine n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate in Patients on Chronic Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Jesper M. Rantanen, Sam Riahi, Martin B. Johansen, Erik B. Schmidt and Jeppe H. Christensen

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091313 - 17 Sep 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4816

Abstract

Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may improve autonomic dysfunction, as indicated by an increase in heart rate variability (HRV) and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of marine n [...] Read more.

Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may improve autonomic dysfunction, as indicated by an increase in heart rate variability (HRV) and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of marine n-3 PUFA on 24-h HRV in patients on chronic dialysis, who have a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Between June 2014 and March 2016, 112 patients on chronic dialysis from Denmark were allocated to a daily supplement of 2 g marine n-3 PUFA or control for three months in a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. A 48-h Holter monitoring was performed and mean 24-h HRV indices for the two days were available in 85 patients. The mean age was 62.3 years (SD: 14.3) and median dialysis vintage was 1.7 years (IQR: 0.5, 6.4). Within-group and between-group changes in outcome were evaluated by a paired and two sample t-test, respectively. Marine n-3 PUFA did not change the primary endpoint SDNN (SD of all RR-intervals) reflecting overall HRV, but other HRV indices increased and the mean RR-interval increased significantly, corresponding to a decrease in heart rate by 2.5 beats per minute (p = 0.04). In conclusion, marine n-3 PUFA did not change SDNN, but the mean heart rate was significantly reduced and changes in other HRV-indices were also observed, indicating an increase in vagal modulation that might be protective against malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism and Human Health)

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23 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Decreasing Trend in Dietary Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load in Australian Children and Adolescents between 1995 and 2012

by Chris Ho Ching Yeung, Devina Tri Lestrai Kusnadi, Alan Winston Barclay, Jennie Cecile Brand-Miller and Jimmy Chun Yu Louie

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091312 - 16 Sep 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4820

Abstract

This study aims to examine whether there were changes between 1995–2012 in the dietary glycaemic index (dGI) and glycaemic load (dGL) in Australian children (<16 years) according to three national surveys in 1995 (1995NS), 2007 (2007NS), and 2011–2012 (2012NS). Glycaemic index (GI) values [...] Read more.

This study aims to examine whether there were changes between 1995–2012 in the dietary glycaemic index (dGI) and glycaemic load (dGL) in Australian children (<16 years) according to three national surveys in 1995 (1995NS), 2007 (2007NS), and 2011–2012 (2012NS). Glycaemic index (GI) values of foods were assigned using published methodology. Plausible 24-h recall data from the 1995NS, 2007NS and 2012NS (weighted n = 2475, 4373 and 1691 respectively) were compared for differences in dGI and dGL, and the contribution to dGL from different foods using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons and linear regression. Decreasing trends across surveys were found in dGI and dGL (p < 0.001). Between 1995 and 2012, dGI and dGL per Megajoule (MJ) dropped by 2% and 6% respectively. The per capita dGL contribution from breads and bread rolls, fruit and vegetable juices, sweetened beverages and potatoes showed strong decreasing trends (R² > 0.7). Our findings suggest that dGI and dGL of Australian youths declined between 1995 to 2012, which may be due to increased awareness of the GI concept and healthy diet, widened food choices and immigrants with diverse dietary habits. This may lower the future risks of chronic degenerative diseases in Australian youths. Full article

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12 pages, 2259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Paediatric Home Artificial Nutrition in Italy: Report from 2016 Survey on Behalf of Artificial Nutrition Network of Italian Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP)

by Antonella Lezo, Teresa Capriati, Maria Immacolata Spagnuolo, Laura Lacitignola, Irina Goreva, Grazia Di Leo, Nicola Cecchi, Paolo Gandullia, Sergio Amarri, Maria Luisa Forchielli, Valeria Dipasquale, Barbara Parma, Simona Gatti, Elisa Ravaioli, Silvia Salvatore, Martina Mainetti, Lorenzo Norsa, Maristella Pellegrino, Martina Fornaro, Valentina Fiorito, Marcello Lanari, Ester Giaquinto, Elvira Verduci, Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre and Antonella Diamanti Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091311 - 16 Sep 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5118

Abstract

Home Artificial Nutrition (HAN) is a safe and efficacious technique that insures children’s reintegration into the family, society and school. Epidemiological data on paediatric HAN in Italy are not available. Aim: to detect the prevalence and incidence of Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) and [...] Read more.

Home Artificial Nutrition (HAN) is a safe and efficacious technique that insures children’s reintegration into the family, society and school. Epidemiological data on paediatric HAN in Italy are not available. Aim: to detect the prevalence and incidence of Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) and Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN), either via tube or mouth, in Italy in 2016. Materials and methods: a specific form was sent to all registered SIGENP members and investigators of local HAN centres, inviting them to provide the requested centre’s data and demographics, underlying diseases and HAN characteristics of the patients. Results: we recorded 3403 Italian patients on HAN aged 0 to 19 years from 22 centres: 2277 HEN, 950 Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) and 179 HPN programs. The prevalence of HEN (205 pts/million inhabitants) and HPN (16 pts/million inhabitants) has dramatically increased in Italy in the last 9 years. Neurodisabling conditions were the first indication for HEN by tube or mouth while HPN is mainly requested in digestive disorders. Conclusions: HAN is a widespread and rapidly growing treatment in Italy, as well as in other European countries. Awareness of its extent and characteristics helps improving HAN service and patients’ quality of life. Full article

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Legend: Geographical location and distribution of HAN centres on the Italian territory. Regions with HAN centres (dark grey); Regions without HAN centres (light grey). Full article ">Figure 2
Indications to HAN. Legend: HAN: home artificial nutrition; HEN: Home Enteral Nutrition; HPN: Home Parenteral Nutrition; * Miscellaneous of: prematurity, failure to thrive, muscular dystrophy and post-acute malnutrition. Full article ">Figure 2 Cont.
Indications to HAN. Legend: HAN: home artificial nutrition; HEN: Home Enteral Nutrition; HPN: Home Parenteral Nutrition; * Miscellaneous of: prematurity, failure to thrive, muscular dystrophy and post-acute malnutrition. Full article ">Figure 3
Characteristics of HEN. Legend: HEN: home enteral nutrition; EN: enteral nutrition. Full article ">Figure 3 Cont.
Characteristics of HEN. Legend: HEN: home enteral nutrition; EN: enteral nutrition. Full article ">Figure 4
Characteristics of HPN. Legend: HPN. Home parenteral nutrition. Data on ONS provision were available in 17 out of 22 centres, 11 of which declared to have the entire furniture covered by regional funds whereas in 6 out of 17 centres the cost of ONS is only partially reimbursed. Full article ">Figure 4 Cont.
Characteristics of HPN. Legend: HPN. Home parenteral nutrition. Data on ONS provision were available in 17 out of 22 centres, 11 of which declared to have the entire furniture covered by regional funds whereas in 6 out of 17 centres the cost of ONS is only partially reimbursed. Full article ">

12 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Positive Effects of Tomato Paste on Vascular Function After a Fat Meal in Male Healthy Subjects

by Andrea Dalbeni, Davide Treggiari, Angela Tagetti, Michele Bevilaqua, Sara Bonafini, Martina Montagnana, Giuliana Scaturro, Pietro Minuz and Cristiano Fava

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091310 - 15 Sep 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4793

Abstract

Tomato consumption has been recently associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to test whether a seven-day period of tomato paste purèe (tomato paste, TP) supplementation could improve some haemodynamic parameters in healthy volunteers before [...] Read more.

Tomato consumption has been recently associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to test whether a seven-day period of tomato paste purèe (tomato paste, TP) supplementation could improve some haemodynamic parameters in healthy volunteers before and after a standardized fat meal (FM). Methods and results: Nineteen healthy male volunteers participated in a randomized, single-blind (operator) crossover study. Participants maintained low fiber diets (LFD) during the study periods. They were randomized either to a LFD and TP arm (80 g of TP/day) for seven-days, or to a control arm (LFD-only) with a two-week washout period. Flow Mediated Dilatation and other morpho-functional vascular indices were measured by ultrasound. Stiffness Index and Reflection Index were estimated by digital photo-plethysmography. All these parameters were measured one h before and two and 3.5 h after the FM. The difference in Stiffness Index was increased in the LFD and TP + FM-arm, as compared to the LFD-only + FM arm at both two and 3.5 h points. After the FM, in both arms, at two h, we observed a reduction in the Reflection Index and an increase in heart rate. Interestingly, only in the LFD and TP + FM-arm, some haemodynamic changes were detectable at two h; notably, there was an increase in brachial artery diameter and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (BP). Conclusions: TP has no effect on Flow Mediated Dilatation but acutely modifies some haemodynamic parameters triggered by FM, suggesting possible haemodynamic beneficial effects in people consuming tomatoes. Full article

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10 pages, 522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macronutrient Intake in Relation to Migraine and Non-Migraine Headaches

by Valentina A. Andreeva, Fabien Szabo de Edelenyi, Nathalie Druesne-Pecollo, Mathilde Touvier, Serge Hercberg and Pilar Galan

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091309 - 15 Sep 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8642

Abstract

We investigated the association of mean daily macronutrient intake with migraine and non-migraine headaches. This cross-sectional study included 8042 men and 23,728 women from the ongoing population-based NutriNet-Santé e-cohort. Headache status was assessed via an online self-report questionnaire (2013–2016). Migraine was defined using [...] Read more.

We investigated the association of mean daily macronutrient intake with migraine and non-migraine headaches. This cross-sectional study included 8042 men and 23,728 women from the ongoing population-based NutriNet-Santé e-cohort. Headache status was assessed via an online self-report questionnaire (2013–2016). Migraine was defined using established criteria and dietary macronutrient intake was estimated via ≥3 24 h dietary records. Mean daily intake (g/day) of carbohydrates (simple, complex, and total), protein, and fat (saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total) were the main exposure variables. Adjusted gender-specific analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were fit. Presence of migraines was noted in 9.2% of men (mean age = 54.3 ± 13.3 years) and 25.7% of women (mean age = 49.6 ± 12.8 years). In adjusted models, we observed (1) somewhat lower protein (p < 0.02) and higher total fat (p < 0.01) intake among male migraineurs compared with males without headaches and those with non-migraine headaches; (2) somewhat higher total fat (p < 0.0001) and total carbohydrate intake (p < 0.05) among female migraineurs compared with females without headaches and those with non-migraine headaches. The findings, which provide preliminary support for modest gender-specific differences in macronutrient intake by migraine status, merit confirmation in different population-based settings, as well as longitudinally, and could help to inform future dietary interventions in headache prevention. Full article

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13 pages, 1862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gastric Emptying and Dynamic In Vitro Digestion of Drinkable Yogurts: Effect of Viscosity and Composition

by Olivia Ménard, Marie-Hélène Famelart, Amélie Deglaire, Yann Le Gouar, Sylvie Guérin, Charles-Henri Malbert and Didier Dupont

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091308 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6405

Abstract

Gastric emptying of food is mainly driven by the caloric concentration, the rheological properties of the chyme, and the physical state (liquid/solid) of food once in the stomach. The present work investigated: (1) The effect of the composition and the viscosity of drinkable [...] Read more.

Gastric emptying of food is mainly driven by the caloric concentration, the rheological properties of the chyme, and the physical state (liquid/solid) of food once in the stomach. The present work investigated: (1) The effect of the composition and the viscosity of drinkable yogurts on gastric emptying in pigs, and (2) the behavior of yogurts during dynamic in vitro digestion. Three isocaloric liquid yogurts were manufactured: Two enriched in protein and fiber showing either a low (LV) or high (HV) viscosity, one control enriched in sugar and starch (CT). They were labelled with ^99mTc-sulfur colloid and given to pigs (n = 11) to determine gastric emptying pattern by gamma scintigraphy. Then dynamic in vitro digestion of the yogurts was done using the parameters of gastric emptying determined in vivo. Gastric emptying half-times were significantly longer for LV than CT, whereas HV exhibited an intermediate behavior. In vitro gastric digestion showed a quick hydrolysis of caseins, whereas whey proteins were more resistant in the stomach particularly for LV and HV. During the intestinal phase, both whey proteins and caseins were almost fully hydrolyzed. Viscosity was shown to affect the behavior of yogurt in the small intestine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Beverages on Ingestive Behavior)

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Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
Gastric residual volume for the three yogurts. CT, LV, HV stand for control, low viscosity and high viscosity yogurts, respectively. T1/2 means gastric emptying half-time. Full article ">Figure 2
Images of the gastrointestinal region taken 60 min after meal ingestion for the control yogurt (a) the low viscosity yogurt; (b) and the high viscosity yogurt; and (c) The output of the radio-isotopic counter was expressed through a scale ranging from 0 to 50. Full article ">Figure 3
SDS-PAGE of the undigested 3 yogurts, i.e., control (CT), low (LV), and high (HV) viscosity before digestion (G0), after 120 min gastric digestion (G120) and 180 and/or 240 intestinal digestion (I180, I240). Full article ">Figure 4
Residual % of casein (a), α-lactoglobulin (b), and α-lactalbumin (c) before digestion (G0), after 120 gastric digestion (G120) and after 180 (I180) and 240 (I240) min of intestinal digestion in the control (green), low viscosity (violet), and high viscosity (blue) yogurts. Full article ">Figure 4 Cont.
Residual % of casein (a), α-lactoglobulin (b), and α-lactalbumin (c) before digestion (G0), after 120 gastric digestion (G120) and after 180 (I180) and 240 (I240) min of intestinal digestion in the control (green), low viscosity (violet), and high viscosity (blue) yogurts. Full article ">

13 pages, 1847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet: Cause or Consequence of the Microbial Profile of Cholelithiasis Disease?

by Isabel Gutiérrez-Díaz, Natalia Molinero, Ana Cabrera, José Ignacio Rodríguez, Abelardo Margolles, Susana Delgado and Sonia González

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091307 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6331

Abstract

Recent dietary habits and lifestyle could explain the shaping of the gut microbiota composition and, in consequence, the increasing prevalence of certain pathologies. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of diet on microbiotas, other than the gut microbiota. This is [...] Read more.

Recent dietary habits and lifestyle could explain the shaping of the gut microbiota composition and, in consequence, the increasing prevalence of certain pathologies. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of diet on microbiotas, other than the gut microbiota. This is important in cholelithiasis, given that changes in the production of bile acids may affect gallbladder microbial communities. Our aim was to assess the association between regular dietary intake and gallbladder microbial composition. Fourteen adults with cholelithiasis and 14 controls, sex‒age-matched and without gastrointestinal pathology, were included. Diet was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire and quantification of gallbladder microbiota sequences by Illumina 16S rRNA gene-based analysis. The cholelithiasic patients showed greater intake of potatoes and lower consumption of vegetables, non-alcoholic drinks, and sauces, which resulted in a lower intake of energy, lipids, digestible polysaccharides, folate, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and some phenolic compounds. Regarding the altered bile microorganisms in cholelithiasic patients, dairy product intake was negatively associated with the proportions of Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides, and several types of fiber, phenolics, and fatty acids were linked to the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Chitinophagaceae, Propionibacteraceae, Bacteroides, and Escherichia‒Shigella. These results support a link between diet, biliary microbiota, and cholelithiasis. Full article

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16 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beliefs about Binge Eating: Psychometric Properties of the Eating Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ-18) in Eating Disorder, Obese, and Community Samples

by Amy L. Burton, Deborah Mitchison, Phillipa Hay, Brooke Donnelly, Christopher Thornton, Janice Russell, Jessica Swinbourne, Christopher Basten, Mandy Goldstein, Stephen Touyz and Maree J. Abbott

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091306 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6772

Abstract

Binge eating is a core diagnostic feature of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa binge/purge type, and is a common feature of “other specified” and “unspecified” feeding and eating disorders. It has been suggested that specific metacognitive beliefs about food, eating, and [...] Read more.

Binge eating is a core diagnostic feature of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa binge/purge type, and is a common feature of “other specified” and “unspecified” feeding and eating disorders. It has been suggested that specific metacognitive beliefs about food, eating, and binge eating may play a key role in the maintenance of binge eating behaviour. The Eating Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ-18) provides a brief self-report assessment tool measuring three types of metacognitive beliefs: negative, positive, and permissive beliefs about food and eating. This study aimed to build on past research by validating the factor structure and psychometric properties of the EBQ-18 using both a clinical and non-clinical sample. A sample of 688 participants (n = 498 non-clinical participants, n = 161 participants seeking treatment for an eating disorder, and n = 29 participants seeking treatment for obesity) completed a battery of questionnaires, including the EBQ-18 and other measures of eating disorder symptoms and relevant constructs. A subset of 100 non-clinical participants completed the test battery again after an interval of two-weeks, and 38 clinical participants completed the EBQ-18 before and after receiving psychological treatment for their eating disorder. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and psychometric properties of this measure were assessed. The results of this study provide support for the three-factor model of the EBQ-18. In addition, the EBQ-18 was found to be a valid and reliable measure, with excellent internal consistency, good test-retest reliability in the non-clinical sample, and also demonstrated evidence of sensitivity to treatment in clinical samples with binge eating pathology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to identify optimal cut-off scores for the EBQ-18. This study provides valuable information about the utility of the EBQ-18 as a measure for use in both clinical and research settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders and Obesity: The Challenge for Our Times)

13 pages, 2806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction Exerts Effects on Bone Biology by Activating ERK 1/2 and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway and Regulating Bone Biomarkers in Bone Cell Cultures

by Arturo Pujia, Cristina Russo, Samantha Maurotti, Roberta Pujia, Vincenzo Mollace, Stefano Romeo and Tiziana Montalcini

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091305 - 14 Sep 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5340

Abstract

Epidemiological studies show that fruit consumption may modulate bone mineral density. However, data regarding the effect of the Citrus bergamia Risso (Bergamot orange), a citrus fruit containing a high concentration of flavonoids, on bone health are still lacking. In this study, we investigated [...] Read more.

Epidemiological studies show that fruit consumption may modulate bone mineral density. However, data regarding the effect of the Citrus bergamia Risso (Bergamot orange), a citrus fruit containing a high concentration of flavonoids, on bone health are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bergamot polyphenols on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in two distinct bone cell types (Saos-2 and MG63). Findings showed that exposure to 0.01 and 0.1 mg/mL doses upregulate β-catenin expression (p = 0.001), osteoblast differentiation markers (e.g., RUNX2 and COL1A), and downregulate RANKL (p = 0.028), as compared to the control. Our results highlight, for the first time, that Bergamot polyphenols act on bone cells through the β-catenin pathway. In vivo studies are necessary to fully understand Bergamot’s role against bone resorption. Full article

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Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
BPF does not increase viability and cell proliferation of Saos-2 cells. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 24 h. (A) Cell viability determined by MTT assay. (B) Cell proliferation determined by counting the number of cells in each well. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol fraction; MTT assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Full article ">Figure 2
BPF increases phERK 1/2 protein levels and regulates RUNX2, RANKL and COL1A mRNA expression levels on Saos-2 cells. (A) Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 10 min. Cell proteins were analyzed by Western blotting with antibodies specific to phosphorylated ERK1/2 and β-actin. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) were incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 24 h. Then, mRNA expression levels of (B) RUNX2, (C) RANKL and (D) COL1A were measured by RT-Pcr. Data were analyzed using the 2−ΔΔCq method and normalized to β-actin. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis: Student’s t-test vs. 0 * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001; Linear regression # p < 0.05; ## p < 0.01. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction; RUNX2, Runt-related transcription factor 2; RANKL, Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor-κB Ligand; COL1A, Type 1A collagen. Full article ">Figure 3
BPF increases β-catenin and RUNX2 and decreases RANKL protein levels on Saos-2 cells. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) were incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 24 h. Cell proteins were analyzed by Western blotting (D) with antibodies specific to (A) β-catenin, (B) RUNX2, (C) RANKL and β-actin. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis: Student’s t-test vs. 0 * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01. Linear regression # p < 0.05; ## p < 0.01. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction; RUNX2, Runt-related transcription factor 2; RANKL, Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor-κB Ligand. Full article ">Figure 4
BPF increases intracellular COL1A protein levels and decreases extracellular COL1A protein levels on Saos-2 cells. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) were incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 24 h. Cell and medium proteins ((A,B) respectively) were analyzed by Western blotting, with antibodies specific to COL1A, β-actin and Albumin. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis: Student’s t-test vs. 0 * p < 0.05. Linear regression # p < 0.05. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol fraction; COL1A, Type 1A collagen. Full article ">Figure 5
The effect of β-catenin knockdown on Saos-2 cells. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) were incubated with 10 nM β-catenin or scrambled siRNA for 48 h. Cell proteins were analyzed by Western blotting, with antibodies specific to β-catenin and β-actin. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis: Student’s t-test vs. scrambled siRNA ** p < 0.01. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction. Full article ">Figure 6
Reverted effects on both the RUNX2 and RANK-L protein expression with BPFon β-catenin knockdown Saos-2 cells. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) were pretreated with scrambled or β-catenin siRNA for 48 h, then incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 24 h. Cell proteins were analyzed by Western blotting, with antibodies specific to (A) RUNX2, (B) RANKL and β-actin. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis: Linear regression; ## p < 0.01. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction; RUNX2, Runt-related transcription factor 2; RANKL, Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor-κB Ligand. Full article ">Figure 7
BPF increases β-catenin protein levels in MG-63 cells. Semi-confluent cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) were incubated with BPF 0.001-0.01-0.1 mg/mL for 24 h. Cell proteins were analyzed by Western blotting with antibodies specific to β-catenin and β-actin. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis: Student’s t-test vs. 0 * p < 0.05. Linear regression # p < 0.05. Abbreviations: BPF, Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction. Full article ">

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Nutrients, Volume 10, Issue 9 (September 2018) – 207 articles

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