Somatic and reproductive development in pre-pubertal mice treated with cyclophosphamide and subsequent estrogen replacement

We tested the hypothesis that chemotherapy would prevent the expected pubertal development of uterus, ovaries, and long bones, and that estrogen replacement subsequent to treatment with chemotherapy would restore uterine and bone development to expected sizes. Pre-pubertal female C57BL/6J mice (n?=?78) were assigned to receive placebo (controls), 200?mg/kg (group A), or 120?mg/kg (group B) of cyclophosphamide (CTX) on postnatal day 18. Mice were subsequently randomized to receive estradiol placebo or long-release estradiol pellet insertion on day 22 (early estradiol dose), day 45 (mid estradiol dose), or day 67 (late estradiol dose) of life. Body weight and length, uterine and ovarian weight, and right femur length and weight were measured. Mice treated with CTX had shorter and lighter femurs and lighter ovaries than controls (13.46?cm?±?1.51?cm vs. 15.00?cm?±?1.10?cm, 57.70?mg?±?9.71?mg vs. 65.30?mg?±?3.68?mg, and 5.16?mg?±?3.00?mg vs. 10.05?mg?±?2.31?mg, respectively; p?<?0.05). Mice receiving estrogen replacement had a larger average body weight, BMI, and uterine weight than those that received placebo estrogen (19.56?g?±?1.82?g vs. 18.10?g?±?2.08?g, 26.53?g/cm²?±?2.91?g/cm² vs. 23.47?g/cm²?±?3.06?g/cm², 101.19?mg?±?41.69?mg vs. 50.00?mg?±?9.49?mg, respectively; p <?0.05). Cyclophosphamide treatment in pre-pubertal mice negatively affected femur and reproductive development. Estrogen treatment restored expected uterine development by maturity, regardless of the timing of administration. However, there was no similar recovery of femur length and bone mass was only partially recovered.     

Characteristics of Eating Habits and Physical Activity in Relation to Body Mass Index Among Adolescents

Objective: To assess eating habits and the level of physical activity in adolescents and develop a predictive model for the body mass index (BMI) based on these variables.

Design: In this cross-sectional study, eating habits and the level of physical activity were assessed using a questionnaire validated in adolescents. Body mass and height collected during the last annual checkup were extracted from personal medical records.

Subjects: The sample included 330 boys and 377 girls (mean age 15.8 ± 0.2 years) who were first-year high school students in the city of Belgrade, Serbia.

Measures: Responses to each of the 14 questions about eating habits and 6 questions about physical activity were scored from the least (0) to the most (3) desired behaviors. These ratings were then averaged to arrive to an aggregate score for each domain. The BMI was calculated according to the standard method. A series of regression analyses was performed to derive the best model for predicting BMI in boys and girls based on individual eating habits and physical activity items, first separately and then combined.

Results: In the sample, 24.5% of boys and 9.5% of girls were overweight or obese. Girls’ eating habits were better than boys (mean aggregate score 2.3 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.3, respectively, p < 0.001), whereas the level of physical activity was greater in boys than girls (2.1 ± 0.6 vs 1.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). The differences between boys and girls in the BMI, eating habits, and physical activity remained significant after controlling for their knowledge about healthy eating and education level of their parents. Eating habits were a better predictor of BMI than physical activity, particularly in boys (R ² = 0.13 vs R ² = 0.02) compared to girls (R ² = 0.04 vs R ² = 0.01). Combining eating habits and physical activity in the multivariate model of BMI resulted in a better predictive accuracy in boys (R ² = 0.17) but not girls (R ² = 0.04).

Conclusions: Eating habits and physical activity differ between adolescent boys and girls and can predict BMI, particularly in boys. The results suggest the need to develop gender-specific programs for promoting healthy lifestyle among adolescents in our country.     

Serum Albumin at Diagnosis is an Independent Predictor of Early Mortality in Veteran Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Aims: To identify independent factors that could predict mortality within 6 months in a cohort of patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods: Esophageal cancer patients were grouped into early (≤6 months, n?=?41) and late (>6 months, n?=?81) mortality groups. 52 variables were analyzed by univariable analysis (UA). A multivariable (MVA) regression model was created to identify predictors of early mortality.

Results: When comparing early and late mortality groups, there was no difference in age, BMI, race, histology, or anatomic location between the two groups. UA demonstrated that the early mortality group had a lower mean albumin level (3.3?±?0.1?g/dl vs. 3.8?±?0.1?g/dl; P?<?0.001), poorer ECOG performance status (1.9?±?0.2 vs. 1.1?±?0.1, P?=?0.02), higher WBC count (9.6?±?0.7 K/µL vs. 8.2?±?0.3 K/µL, P?=?0.04), and were less likely to receive surgery (2.4% vs. 22.2%; P?=?0.003), neoadjuvant treatment (4.9% vs. 28.4%; P?=?0.009) and definitive chemoradiation (7.3% vs. 27.2%; P?=?0.01). MVA revealed that only low albumin at diagnosis was an independent predictor of survival (P?=?0.016).

Conclusion: Albumin level at diagnosis is an independent predictor of early mortality and might be used with other variables to provide prognostic information for patients and to guide treatment.     

Healthcare Cost Reductions Associated with the Use of LAI Formulations of Antipsychotic Medications Versus Oral Among Patients with Schizophrenia

Real-world medication adherence and healthcare costs of patients with schizophrenia initiating long-acting injectable (LAI) vs. oral antipsychotics were compared. Patients with schizophrenia initiating LAI or oral antipsychotics (index event) were identified from MarketScan Commercial and Medicare claims databases and their medication possession ratios (MPR), pre- and post-index costs for inpatient/outpatient care were compared. Of 3,004 patients, 394 initiated LAI antipsychotics and 2,610 oral antipsychotics. Post-index, the mean MPR was greater for the LAI cohort (0.67?±?0.34 vs. 0.56?±?0.35; p?<?0.001). Schizophrenia-related hospital costs for LAI users were reduced during the follow-up period in comparison to the pre-index period, but were increased for patients using oral antipsychotics (-$5,981?±?$16,554 vs. 758?±?14,328, p?<?0.001). The change in costs of outpatient care also favored LAI medications ($134?±?8,280 vs. 658?±?3,260, p?=?0.023). Drug costs of LAI antipsychotics were higher ($4,132?±?4,533 vs. 2,562?±?2,714, p?<?0.001). Schizophrenia patients initiating LAI antipsychotics incur less healthcare costs in comparison to patients initiating oral antipsychotics.     

Validity of self-reported BMI in older adults and an adjustment model

Study objectives

To determine reporting bias of self-reported vs. measured anthropometrics (body weight, height, body mass index, BMI), and to adjust self-reported BMI regarding the bias.

Methods

We compared self-reported with measured anthropometrics utilizing 659 control persons (age mean 68; range 37 to 80 years) from a case-control stroke study. The Bland-Altman approach examined the agreement between self-reported and measured values. A linear model was applied to correct the bias dependent on sex, age and self-reported BMI.

Results

Under-reporting of weight and over-reporting of height was found. On average, this resulted in lower self-reported BMIs by 1.0 kg/m² in men, 1.2 kg/m² in women (p?<?0.001). Bias correction of self-reported BMIs was derived from self-reported BMI (p?<?0.001), age (p?<?0.001), age-BMI interaction (p?<?0.001) and sex (p?<?0.05). Under-estimation of correct BMI resulted in the under-estimation of an overweight prevalence, with relatively low sensitivity regarding self-reported values (88 %). Our estimates should be recalibrated, if applied to other studies.

Conclusion

Self-reported anthropometric measures are systematically biased despite high correlations with measured values. A correction removes the average bias and improves accuracy.     

Glycaemic response of proso millet-based (Panicum miliaceum) products

The glycaemic response of millet foods and the effect of processing are not known. Therefore, decorticated proso millet was used to produce four types of common food products (biscuits, couscous, porridge and an extruded snack). Postprandial blood glucose response of these products (all containing 50?g of total starch) was compared to the same foods produced with refined corn, in a crossover human study with 12 healthy male participants (age 26.3?±?3.8?yr; BMI 23.3?±?2.8?kg/m²). Capillary blood samples were collected and glycaemic response was determined; differences were assessed using repeat measures ANOVA. Overall, the mean (±SEM) incremental area under the blood glucose response curve (mmol?min/l) of the proso millet products was different from the corn products, but individual products (couscous?=?66.7?±?11.6, biscuit?=?82.6?±?13.7, extrudate?=?198.7?±?20.9, porridge?=?40.1?±?5.8) were not significantly lower (couscous?=?43.5?±?5.8, biscuit?=?102.0?±?10.3, extrudate?=?198.7?±?20.9, porridge?=?52.2?±?8.1) (p?>?.05). Glycaemic response of the products was not dependent on the grain type, but rather product matrix.     

Oxidative stress markers in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of lipid and protein peroxidation markers, in the follicular fluids (FF) of 82 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This included, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl, and thiol groups. The oxidative stress markers were compared between the pregnancy positive and pregnancy negative patient groups. The two patient groups were compared in terms of their age, body mass index (BMI), cause of infertility, and the plasma hormone levels (AMH, E₂, peak E₂). Protein carbonyl and thiol groups were estimated using an ELISA assay and with Ellman's reagent (5, 5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid, DTNB), respectively. The mean FF TBARS level of 29 pregnant women was 0.954?±?0.420?µmol/l, whereas it was twice as high (1.961?±?0.796?µmol/l) in a group of 53 non-pregnant patients (p?<?0.0001). In non-pregnant patients, we observed 2-fold elevated levels of protein carbonyl groups when compared to pregnant women (2.969?±?0.723 vs. 1.523?±?0.254; p?<?0.0001). The mean age of women and BMI were significantly higher in the pregnancy negative vs. pregnancy positive group. There were no significant differences in protein thiols and in the levels of the hormones tested between patient groups. Our results demonstrate that elevated FF lipid and protein peroxidation level may have a negative impact on IVF outcome. The findings support the idea that increased level of oxidative stress markers in follicular fluid may play an important role in fertility.     

Effects of Pistacia atlantica on Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Enzymes Expression in Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects many patients all over the world. It involves different parts of the body, such as brain, eyes, kidneys, vessels, and so on. The lack of balance between free radicals and antioxidants is a possible mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Antioxidant treatment, especially natural forms, can be a beneficial solution. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of Pistacia atlantica oleoresin (PAO) on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes expression in diabetic rats.

Method: Fifty adult male Wistar rats were allotted randomly into five groups as follow: control group, diabetic control group, glibenclamide control group, diabetic glibenclamide group, diabetic treated group with 200?mg/kg PAO. Then PAO was prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). LD50 was also estimated for essential oil. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. The expression of GPx, CAT, and SOD genes was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The main constituents of essential oil gum were beta-pinene (29.38%), followed by alpha-pinene (18.15%), myrcene (7.36%), trans-pinocarveol (7.15%), and camphene (4.12%). Diabetes induced an increased level of MDA (69.92?±?3.92 vs. 43.76?±?3.73) and decreased levels of GSH (2.57?±?0.40 vs. 7.05?±?1.59), GPx (11.66?±?2.2 vs. 16.38?±?2.1), CAT (12.17?±?3.38 vs. 18.7?±?2.66), and SOD (0.78?±?0.67 vs. 2.41?±?0.46). In contrast, PAO treatment significantly decreased MDA (54.59?±?12.54 vs. 69.92?±?3.92) and increased GSH (4.5?±?0.89 vs. 2.57?±?0.40), GPx (25.86?±?5.37 vs. 11.66?±?2.2), CAT (22.69?±?0.36 vs. 12.17?±?3.38), and SOD (3.65?±?1.08 vs. 0.78?±?0.67) (p?<?0.05). Moreover, our results indicated that both GPx and CAT mRNA levels significantly increased approximately 4.46 and 6.23 times in rats fed with 200?mg/kg of PAO, more than that of the healthy control group, respectively (p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.001, respectively). Also, the average expression level of SOD was also significantly 1.57 higher in rats fed with 200?mg/kg of PAO in comparison to the diabetic control group (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicated that PAO could be propose as an agent that protects the body against diseases that are associated with oxidative stress.     

Coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis patients: A double blind randomized clinical trial

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of central nervous system which is accompanied with disability and negative life style changes such as fatigue and depression. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on fatigue and depression in patients with MS.

Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of CoQ10 supplement (500?mg/day) vs. placebo for 12?weeks. Fatigue symptoms were quantified by means of fatigue severity scale (FSS) and the Beck depression inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms.

Results: A significant decrease of FSS was observed in CoQ10 group during the intervention (P?=?0.001) and significant increase of FSS change was observed within placebo group (P?=?0.001). Repeated measure analysis of variance showed a significant time-by-treatment interaction for FSS (baseline 41.5?±?15.6 vs. endpoint 45?±?13.6; F_1,45?=?55.23, P?<?0.001, η²?=?0.56) and BDI (baseline 17.8?±?12.2 vs. endpoint 20.4?±?11.4; F_1,45?=?40.3, P?<?0.001, η²?=?0.48), indicating significant decrease of FSS and BDI in CoQ10 group compared to placebo group.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that CoQ10 supplementation (500?mg/day) can improve fatigue and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.     

Associations of smoking with cardiometabolic profile and renal function in a Romanian population-based sample from the PREDATORR cross-sectional study

Background: The impact of smoking on morbidity is well known, but in Romania, limited data are available regarding the smoking prevalence and relationship with cardiometabolic profile and kidney function.

Objectives: To assess the association of smoking with cardiometabolic traits and kidney function, in a Romanian population-based sample from the PREDATORR study.

Methods: PREDATORR was an epidemiological cross-sectional study. Between 2012 and 2014, participants were randomly selected from the lists of general practitioners and enrolled if they were aged 20 to 79 years, born and living in the past 10 years in Romania. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires.

Results: Overall, 2704 participants were included in the analysis, 18% of them being current smokers and 30.8% former smokers. Current smokers compared to non-smokers had higher total cholesterol (220.6?±?50.4 versus 213.9?±?86.8?mg/dl, P?=?0.017), LDL-cholesterol (137.8?±?45.2 versus 130.7?±?83.7?mg/dl, P?=?0.004) and glomerular filtration rate (96.9?±?16.8 versus 90.7?±?19.1?ml/min/1.73?m², P?<0.001) in women and higher triglycerides (170.7?±?129.8 versus 144.3?±?94.2?mg/dl, P?=?0.007), glomerular filtration rate (97.6?±?17 versus 90.3?±?18?ml/min/1.73?m², P?P?=?0.002) in men. Active smoking was associated with hypercholesterolaemia [OR: 1.40 (95% CI: 1.01–1.96), P?=?0.04] and low HDL-cholesterolaemia [OR: 1.39 (95% CI: 1.01–1.91), P?=?0.04] and negatively associated with overweight/obesity [OR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48–0.94), P?=?0.02]. Male former smokers had higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (82.4% versus 76.4%, P?=?0.02), hypertriglyceridaemia (43.6% versus 35.6%, P?=?0.01), hypertension (64% versus 56.4%, P?=?0.01) and ischaemic vascular disease (40.5% versus 30.9%, P?=?0.003) than male non-smokers.

Conclusion: The PREDATORR study showed a high prevalence of smoking in the adult Romanian population providing data on the association of smoking with cardiometabolic traits.     

The association between dietary glycemic index,glycemic load and diet quality indices in Iranian adults: results from Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

To assess the association between dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL) and dietary quality indices in Iranian adults. This cross section was conducted among 1571 Iranian adults aged ≥19 years. GI, GL and diet quality indices were estimated by 24-h recall and DDS was calculated using a validated 48-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants who were in the top tertile of GI had lower healthy eating index (HEI) (57.2?±?7.8 versus 55.6?±?8.7; p?p?2. Individuals in the lowest tertile of GL had lower HEI, MAR and NARs for Zn, vitamin B₂, B₃, B₆, B₁₂, vitamin D. Both GI and GL were positively related to dietary diversity score (DED) (p?相似文献   

Novel natural food colourant G8000 benefits LDL- and HDL-cholesterol in humans

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic composition of a natural food colourant (G8000?) as well as its effects on plasma markers after 28-day consumption by healthy individuals at a dietary dose (70?g). Parameters of total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides and plasma enzymes biomarkers of muscle injury were measured. Major compounds identified in G8000? by ESI-MS showed the presence of anthocyanins, organic acids, phenolic acids as well as monosaccharides. HDL levels significantly increased from 43?±?10.2?mg/dL to 95?±?16.9?mg/dL. LDL levels significantly decreased from 110?±?40.9?mg/dL to 69?±?39?mg/dL (p?<?0.001). No significant statistical differences (p?>?0.05) were observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL. After the intake, plasma enzyme CK-MB decreased from 20?±?12.1 U/L to 10?±?1.9 U/L while LDH levels increased from 275?±?124.4 U/L to 317?±?114.7 U/L (p?<?0.005). No significant differences were observed for CK levels. Taken together, dietary intake of natural colourant G8000? was able to exert beneficial effects on atherosclerosis biomarkers.     

Meal replacement based on Human Ration modulates metabolic risk factors during body weight loss: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

A meal replacement may be an effective strategy in the management of obesity to increase antioxidant intake, attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of a new nutritional supplement to reduce metabolic risk parameters in obese women.

Methods

In a randomized controlled crossover study (2 × 2), 22 women (percentage body fat 40.52 ± 3.75 %; body mass index—BMI 28.72 ± 2.87 kg/m²; 35.04 ± 5.6 years old) were allocated into two treatments: hypocaloric diet and drink containing “Human Ration” (HR) consumption (CRHR), and hypocaloric diet and control drink consumption (CR). The study consisted of 2 periods of 5 weeks with 1 week of washout in two orders (CR → CRHR and CRHR → CR). Caloric restriction was 15 %, based on estimated energy requirement. Anthropometric, clinical and metabolic risk parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of each period.

Results

Some metabolic risk factors were favorably modulated in both interventions: reduction in body weight (CR ?0.74 ± 1.27 kg; p = 0.01; CRHR ?0.77 ± 1.3 kg; p = 0.02), body mass index (BMI) (CR ?0.27 ± 0.51 kg/m²; p = 0.02; CRHR ?0.30 ± 0.52 kg/m²; p = 0.01) and HOMA-IR (CR ?0.35 ± 0.82; p = 0.02, CRHR ?0.41 ± 0.83; p = 0.03). However, CRHR reduced waist circumference (?2.54 ± 2.74 cm; p < 0.01) and gynoid fat (?0.264 ± 0.28 g; p < 0.01), and increased HDL-c levels (0.08 ± 0.15 mmol/l; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Associated with hypocaloric diet, the intake of a nutritional supplement rich in phytochemicals as a breakfast substitute for 5 weeks had no additional effect on weight reduction than caloric restriction alone, but increased central lipolysis and improved the lipoprotein profile.     

Time-Restricted Eating Alters Food Intake Patterns,as Prospectively Documented by a Smartphone Application

Time-restricted eating (TRE) can facilitate weight loss, yet its effect on eating patterns remains unknown. Twenty adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² underwent a 12-week randomized trial, examining the effect of an 8-h, time-restricted eating intervention on dietary patterns. Oral intake was documented using a smartphone. Dietary patterns, assessed as frequency of eating occasions (EOs) and types of meals/snacks and beverages, were compared between baseline (T0), early-intervention (T1), and end-intervention (T2). At T1 and T2, both groups had less EOs compared to T0, with greater reduction seen in the TRE group (−28%) than the non-TRE group (−12%) at T2 (p = 0.01 vs. non-TRE). Comparing T1 to T0, the TRE group documented less incomplete meals (−32.5%: p = 0.02), high quality snacks (−23.6%: p = 0.03), and low quality snacks (−36.6%: p = 0.004). Comparing T2 to T0, the TRE group documented less incomplete meals (−33.9%: p = 0.03), high quality snacks (−28.1%: p < 0.001) and low quality snacks (−51.2%: p < 0.001). Caffeinated beverage intake was reduced in the TRE group at T1 (−20.2%) and T2 (−28.8%) vs. T0, but remained unaltered in the non-TRE group. By using a smartphone application to document dietary intake, TRE significantly reduced the number of EOs, snacks, and caffeinated beverages, relative to baseline and relative to the non-TRE.     

Cordyceps sinensis Promotes the Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells

Background: This study aims to test whether Cordyceps sinensis (CS), the most expensive Asian nutrient supplement might stimulate growth of prostate cancer cells. Methods: Impact of CS on growth of prostate cancer was determined in vivo and in vitro.

Results: Firstly, the serum testosterone level was significantly elevated in mice fed CS. Prostate glands were significantly enlarged (weight index 0.53?±?0.04?mg/g vs. 0.31?±?0.04?mg/g, P?=?0.006). Furthermore, cell viability was increased twofold in the androgen-responsive prostate cancer cell line (VCaP) after CS treatment. This promoting effect disappeared after bicalutamide was added. In addition, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in mice bearing VCaP xenografts was significantly elevated (0.66?±?0.04?ng/ml vs. 0.26?±?0.06?ng/ml, P?<?0.001) after treatment with CS. Finally, VCaP tumors in mice treated with CS grew much faster (479.2?±?78.74?mm³ vs. 283?±?58.97?mm³, P?=?0.074). However, the above promoting effects of CS were not observed in parallel studies using the PC-3 cell line which lacks AR expression.

Conclusions: These results suggest that CS promotes growth of prostate cancer cells by increasing production of testosterone and stimulating the AR-dependent pathway. Additional studies are required to see whether CS is safely consumed by patients with prostate cancer.     

White Sesame Seed Oil Mitigates Blood Glucose Level,Reduces Oxidative Stress,and Improves Biomarkers of Hepatic and Renal Function in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives: The study was designed to investigate the impact of white sesame seed oil (WSSO) consumption on fasting blood glucose (GLU), insulin (INS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hepatic antioxidant enzymes. A secondary aim was to check the influence on serum biochemistry, hepatic, cardiac, and renal functions.

Methods: Forty-six participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly divided into two equal groups: diabetic control (DCON) and diabetic sesame oil (DSO). At baseline and 30, 60, and 90?days, blood samples were drawn and analyzed. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the difference between groups and across time.

Results: In both groups, GLU, INS, and HbA1c were not significantly different at baseline (mean 187.07?±?5.63?mg/dl, mean 12.12?±?1.03 μU/ml, and mean 7.55?±?0.37%, respectively). At 90?days, GLU was significantly (p?<?0.05) decreased in DSO (137.83?±?3.16?mg/dl) when compared with DCON (218.13?±?5.92?mg/dl), while INS was significantly increased in DSO (23.13?±?1.15 μU/ml) as compared to DCON (7.93?±?0.38 μU/ml). At 90 days, HbA1c was significantly lower (p?<?0.05) in DSO as compared to DCON. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) in DSO (1.08?±?0.05 [MDA] nmol/ml) as compared to DCON (2.26?±?0.07 [MDA] nmol/ml). In DSO, activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) increased while in DCON these activities decreased significantly (p?<?0.05) across the time period. Biomarkers of liver, cardiac, and renal functions improved significantly in DSO as compared to DCON.

Conclusion: WSSO as a functional food may play an important role in GLU regulation and against deleterious effects of diabetes in humans with type 2 diabetes.     

The Influence of Home and School Environments on Children’s Diet and Physical Activity,and Body Mass Index: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Introduction The home and school environments play important roles in influencing children’s health behaviours. However, their simultaneous influence on childhood obesity has not yet been examined. We explore the relationship of the home and school environments with childhood obesity, to determine whether this relationship is mediated by children’s fruit and vegetable intake and physical behaviours. Methods This study uses baseline data from 9 to 11 year old children, their parents and school principals (matched data n?=?2466) from the Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle Project. Child-reported behaviours, parent-reported home environment and principal-reported school environment data were collected via questionnaires. Trained researchers measured children’s height and weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m²) was calculated. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relationship of the home and school environments with children’s fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity behaviours, and children’s BMI. Result The home diet environment was positively associated with child diet (β?=?0.18, p?<?0.001). The home physical activity environment had the largest inverse association with BMI (β?=???0.11, p?<?0.001), indirectly through child physical activity (β?=?0.28 ,p?<?0.001). Schools’ healthy eating policy implementation was significantly associated with child diet (β?=?0.52, p?<?0.05), but physical activity policy was not associated with child activity (β?=???0.007, p?>?0.05). The school environment was not associated with child BMI. Discussion The home environment had a stronger association with healthier child behaviours, compared to the school environment. These findings suggest that future childhood obesity interventions targeting healthier home environments and supporting parents can promote healthier child eating and physical activity behaviours.     

A Smartphone Intervention to Promote Time Restricted Eating Reduces Body Weight and Blood Pressure in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Pilot Study

The goal of this study was to test the feasibility of time restricted eating (TRE) in adults with overweight and obesity. Participants (n = 50) logged all eating occasions (>0 kcal) for a 2-week run-in period using a smartphone application. Participants with eating duration ≥14 h enrolled in an open label, non-randomized, prospective 90-day TRE intervention, with a self-selected reduced eating window of 10 h. No dietary counseling was provided. Changes in anthropometrics, eating patterns and adherence after TRE were analyzed using t-tests or Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test. The mean duration of the baseline eating window was 14 h 32 m ± 2 h 36 m (n = 50) with 56% of participants with duration ≥14 h. TRE participants (n = 16) successfully decreased their eating window from 16 h 04 m ± 1 h 24 m to 11 h 54 m ± 2 h 06 m (p < 0.001), and reduced the number of daily eating occasions by half (p < 0.001). Adherence to logging and to the reduced eating window was 64% ± 22% and 47% ± 19%, respectively. TRE resulted in decreases in body weight (−2.1 ± 3.0 kg, p = 0.017), waist circumference (−2.2 ± 4.6 cm, p = 0.002) and systolic blood pressure (−12 ± 11 mmHg, p = 0.002). This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of TRE administered via a smartphone, in adults with overweight and obesity.     

Favorable Effect of Short-Term Lifestyle Intervention on Human Paraoxonase-1 Activity and Adipokine Levels in Childhood Obesity

Objective: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in adult and child populations throughout the world. Childhood obesity has a great impact on adult cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; treatment of this pathological state is important given the significant health consequences. We investigated the effect of short-term lifestyle changes on the alteration of human serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activities, leptin, adiponectin, E-selectin, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) as atherogenic and antiatherogenic factors in obese children. PON1 protects lipoproteins against oxidation by hydrolyzing lipid peroxides in oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore may protect against atherosclerosis.

Methods: A total of 23 white obese and overweight children (age, 11.43 ± 1.78 years; 8 girls, 15 boys) participated in a 2-week-long lifestyle camp based on a diet and exercise program. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the national body mass index (BMI) reference tables for age and sex.

Results: After a 2-week-long supervised diet and aerobic exercise program, obese children had significantly lower leptin (55.02 ± 33.42 ng/ml vs 25.37 ± 19.07 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), ADMA (0.68 ± 0.15 μmol/l vs 0.55 ± 0.16 μmol/l; p < 0.01), and E-selectin levels (67.19 ± 30.35 ng/ml vs 46.51 ± 18.40 ng/ml; p < 0.0001), whereas they had significantly higher PON1 paraoxonase activity (110.48 ± 72.92 U/l vs 121.75 ± 93.48 U/l; p < 0.05) besides the antiatherogenic alteration of the lipid profile and significant weight change (70.32 ± 19.51 kg vs 67.01 ± 18.75 kg, p < 0.0001; BMI, 28.95 ± 5.05 kg/m² vs 27.43 ± 4.82 kg/m², p < 0.0001). Adiponectin and PON1 arylesterase activity did not change significantly.

Conclusions: Our investigation suggests that modifications in dietary habits and physical activity induce antiatherogenic changes in childhood obesity. These findings emphasize the major role of primary prevention and nonpharmaceutical treatment of childhood obesity through lifestyle changes based on diet and increased physical activity.     

Blood lead level and Helicobacter pylori infection in a healthy population: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether elevated blood lead level (BLL) is a risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on 2,625 subjects who visited a university hospital for general health examination. H. pylori infection was detected using histologic examination with Giemsa staining, and BLLs were measured. The mean BLL was 2.83?±?1.31?μg/dL. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 27.8%. The BLL was significantly higher in the H. pylori infection-positive group compared to the non-infected group (2.96?±?1.33?μg/dL vs. 2.78?±?1.30?μg/dL, p?<?0.001), which remained significant after adjusting for other confounders. H. pylori infection significantly increased as the BLL increased (OR: 1.143, 95% CI 1.068–1.223). We found a relationship between BLL elevation and H. pylori infection rate.