Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Improves Bone Metabolism in an Osteoporosis-Induced Animal Model

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss. The present study aims to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) on bone metabolism using ovariectomized (OVX) and orchidectomized (ORX) rat models. Twenty-seven-week-old Wistar Han rats were randomly assigned as: (1) placebo control, (2) BC supplementation dose 1 (BC1: 0.5 g/day/OVX, 1 g/day/ORX), (3) BC supplementation dose 2 (BC2: 1 g/day/OVX, 1.5 g/day/ORX) and (4) BC supplementation dose 3 (BC3: 1.5 g/day/OVX, 2 g/day/ORX). Bone microarchitecture, strength, gene expression of VEGFA, FGF2, RANKL, RANK and OPG, and bone resorption/formation markers were assessed after four months of BC supplementation. Compared to the placebo, OVX rats in the BC1 group exhibited significantly higher cortical bone mineral content and trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.01), while OVX rats in the BC3 group showed significantly higher trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). ORX rats receiving BC dose 2 demonstrated significantly higher levels of trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin in the ORX was pointedly higher in all BC supplementation groups than the placebo (BC1: p < 0.05; BC2, BC3: p < 0.001). Higher doses of BC induced significantly higher relative mRNA expression of OPG, VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL (p < 0.05). BC supplementation improves bone metabolism of OVX and ORX rats, which might be associated with the activation of the VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL/RANK/OPG pathways.     

Management of Sarcopenia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the comparative effectiveness of interventions in treatment of sarcopenia. The primary outcome was the measure of treatment effect on muscle mass, and secondary outcomes were the treatment effect on muscle strength and physical performance.DesignSystematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).Setting and ParticipantsParticipants with sarcopenia receiving interventions targeting sarcopenia in any setting.MethodsData sources: Relevant RCTs were identified by a systematic search of several electronic databases, including CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from January 1995 to July 2019. Duplicate title and abstract and full-text screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed.Data extraction: All RCTs examining sarcopenia interventions [mixed exercise (combined aerobic and resistance exercise), aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, balance exercise, physical activity and protein or nutrition supplementation, acupuncture, whole-body vibration, protein supplement or interventions to increase protein intake, any nutritional intervention other than protein, and pharmacotherapy] were included. Comparators were standard care, placebo, or another intervention.Data synthesis: We performed Bayesian NMA; continuous outcome data were pooled using the standardized mean difference effect size. Interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for each outcome.ResultsA total of 59 RCTs were included after screening of 4315 citations and 313 full-text articles. Network meta-analysis of muscle mass outcome (including 46 RCTs, 3649 participants, 11 interventions) suggested that mixed exercise were the most effective intervention (SUCRA = 93.94%) to increase muscle mass. Physical activity and protein or nutrition supplementation, and aerobic exercise were the most effective interventions to improve muscle strength and physical performance, respectively. Overall, mixed exercise is the most effective intervention in increasing muscle mass and was one of the 3 most effective interventions in increasing muscle strength and physical performance.Conclusions and ImplicationsMixed exercise and physical activity with nutritional supplementation are the most effective sarcopenia interventions. Most of the included studies have a high risk of bias. More robust RCTs are needed to increase the confidence of our NMA results and the quality of evidence.     

Effect of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) on obesity,lipid metabolism and uterine epithelial proliferation in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to assess the potential of St. John''s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) to prevent obesity and abnormalities in lipid metabolism induced by ovariectomy in a rat model without stimulatory activity on uterus.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated for 6 weeks with 70% ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum [HPEs: whole plant (WHPE) and flower and leaves (FLHPE)], β-estradiol-3-benzoate at a dose of 50 µg/kg/day (E2) or vehicle (distilled water).

RESULTS

As expected, OVX increased body weight gain and adiposity and showed higher food efficacy ratio. OVX also increased the serum cholesterol as well as insulin resistance, while reducing uterus weight and uterine epithelial proliferation rate. HPEs (WHPE and FLHPE) showed estrogen-like effect on body weight gain, adipose tissue weight and food efficacy ratio in OVX rats. HPEs prevented hypercholesterolemia induced by OVX more effectively than E2. E2 increased uterus weight and epithelial proliferation rate in OVX rats, while HPEs maintained them at the level of the sham-operated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding demonstrates that HPEs can be considered as an effective agent to prevent OVX-induced obesity without stimulatory activity on uterus.     

运动与复方丹参合剂联合应用对去卵巢大鼠骨矿盐代谢的影响

用测定骨矿盐含量的方法,观察运动和复方丹参合剂(compound Danshen mixture,CDM)联合应用对去卵巢大鼠骨矿盐代谢的影响。将健康4月龄雌性Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠48只,按体重随机分成6组:正常对照组;假去卵巢组;去卵巢组;去卵巢+CDM组;去卵巢+运动组;去卵巢+CDM+运动组。去卵巢+CDM组和去卵巢+CDM+运动组大鼠于去卵巢手术后第2 d开始给予CDM溶液灌胃,10 ml/(kg·d),持续11周。去卵巢+运动组和去卵巢+CDM+运动组大鼠于去卵巢术后第7 d开始给予中等强度的运动训练,每周5 d,每天连续匀速跑45 min,16 m/min,跑道倾角0°,持续10周。结果表明,去卵巢组大鼠骨干重、骨干重/体重、骨灰重、骨灰重/体重、骨灰重占骨干重百分比等指标均低于假去卵巢组(P0.01);去卵巢+复方丹参合剂组和去卵巢+运动组大鼠骨干重、骨干重/体重、骨灰重、骨灰重/体重、骨灰重占骨干重百分比等指标虽然较去卵巢组增加(P0.05或P0.01),但仍低于假去卵巢组(P0.05或P0.01);去卵巢+复方丹参合剂+运动组大鼠骨干重、骨干重/体重、骨灰重、骨灰重/体重、骨灰重占骨干重百分比等指标均高于去卵巢+复方丹参合剂组和去卵巢+运动组(P0.05或P0.01)。提示运动可加强复方丹参合剂抗去卵巢大鼠骨矿盐丢失的作用。     

Kefir Peptides Prevent Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss and Modulate the Structure of the Gut Microbiota in Ovariectomized Mice

Osteoporosis is a major skeletal disease associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women. Kefir-fermented peptides (KPs) are bioactive peptides with health-promoting benefits that are produced from the degradation of dairy milk proteins by the probiotic microflora in kefir grains. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of KPs on osteoporosis prevention and the modulation of the composition of the gut microbiota in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. OVX mice receiving an 8-week oral gavage of 100 mg of KPs and 100 mg of KPs + 10 mg Ca exhibited lower trabecular separation (Tb. Sp), and higher bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular number (Tb. N) and bone volume (BV/TV), than OVX groups receiving Ca alone and untreated mice, and these effects were also reflected in bones with better mechanical properties of strength and fracture toughness. The gut microbiota of the cecal contents was examined by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. α-Diversity analysis indicated that the gut microbiota of OVX mice was enriched more than that of sham mice, but the diversity was not changed significantly. Treatment with KPs caused increased microbiota richness and diversity in OVX mice compared with those in sham mice. The microbiota composition changed markedly in OVX mice compared with that in sham mice. Following the oral administration of KPs for 8 weeks, the abundances of Alloprevotella, Anaerostipes, Parasutterella, Romboutsia, Ruminococcus_1 and Streptococcus genera were restored to levels close to those in the sham group. However, the correlation of these bacterial populations with bone metabolism needs further investigation. Taken together, KPs prevent menopausal osteoporosis and mildly modulate the structure of the gut microbiota in OVX mice.     

The Relationship between Resistance Exercise Performance and Ventilatory Efficiency after Beetroot Juice Intake in Well-Trained Athletes

The assessment of ventilatory efficiency is critical to understanding the matching of ventilation (VE) and perfusion in the lungs during exercise. This study aimed to establish a causal physiological relationship between ventilatory efficiency and resistance exercise performance after beetroot juice (BJ) intake. Eleven well-trained males performed a resistance exercise test after drinking 140 mL of BJ (~12.8 mmol NO₃⁻) or a placebo (PL). Ventilatory efficiency was assessed by the VE•VCO₂⁻¹ slope, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO₂). The two experimental conditions were controlled using a randomized, double-blind crossover design. The resistance exercise test involved repeating the same routine twice, which consisted of wall ball shots plus a full squat (FS) with a 3 min rest or without a rest between the two exercises. A higher weight lifted was detected in the FS exercise after BJ intake compared with the PL during the first routine (p = 0.004). BJ improved the VE•VCO₂⁻¹ slope and the PetCO₂ during the FS exercise in the first routine and at rest (p < 0.05). BJ intake improved the VE•VCO₂⁻¹ slope and the PetCO₂ coinciding with the resistance exercise performance. The ergogenic effect of BJ could be induced under aerobic conditions at rest.     

Citrus juice modulates antioxidant enzymes and lipid profiles in orchidectomized rats

Oxidative stress and hypogonadism are two factors linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in males. Eating fruits and vegetables is known to reduce the incidences of oxidative stress. The objective of this research was to delineate whether drinking daily squeezed orange juice (OJ) or grapefruit juice (GJ) modulates oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes while impacting cardiovascular risk factors in hypogonad male rats. In the present study, 36 1-year-old male rats were equally divided among the following four treatments: sham (control), orchidectomized (ORX), ORX + OJ, and ORX + GJ. After 60 days of drinking OJ or GJ, antioxidant capacity, cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), cholesterol, and triglycerides in liver were evaluated. Serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities decreased (P < .05), while serum cholesterol and liver triglycerides increased (P < .05) in the ORX group compared with the sham group. In contrast to the ORX group, drinking OJ was ineffective while drinking GJ decreased (P < .05) cholesterol concentration in liver and in serum. Nevertheless, OJ and GJ decreased (P < .05) triglyceride concentration in liver and increased (P < .05) serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities compared with the ORX group. In conclusion, drinking OJ or GJ prevented oxidative stress by enhancing total antioxidant capacity and elevating liver antioxidant enzymes while modulating cardiovascular risk factors.     

Nutritional approaches to the management of sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is defined as a decline in muscle mass and/or function, which is a consequence of ageing. The consequences of a declining muscle mass become serious if functionally important thresholds for physical independence are crossed, and this will occur more readily in the presence of disease. Although sarcopenia is of complex aetiology, contributory factors likely include habitual sedentarism and/or deficits in the responsiveness of muscle protein synthesis to physical activity and nutrition, as well as impaired muscular regenerative capacity. Altered inflammatory, immune and endocrine functions are also associated with sarcopenia, in addition to phenomena such as a reduced response to oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and nutritional (e.g. vitamin D) deficiencies. Sarcopenia is associated with malnutrition, which may contribute to the poor muscle function observed in many older adults, particularly in frail patient groups. The problem is that as a result of anabolic resistance, simply increasing dietary protein ‘chronically’ in older age may not be effective. When exercise and nutritional interventions are combined in the form of resistance exercise training plus protein/essential amino acid supplementation, there is evidence of some benefit for older adults in terms of improved muscle function, but further research is needed in adults aged over 75 years. In addition, there are as yet relatively under‐researched intervention strategies (timing and distribution of protein supplementation; novel nutriceuticals, vitamin D) bearing potential utility in improving responsiveness to physical activity and nutrition in old age.     

Prevalence and Mortality of Sarcopenia in a Community-dwelling Older Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study

BackgroundThe prevalence of sarcopenia defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria in Asian communities has not been fully addressed. Moreover, few studies have addressed the influence of sarcopenia on mortality.MethodsA total of 1,371 and 1,597 residents aged 65 years or older participated in health surveys in 2012 and 2017. Sarcopenia was determined using the AWGS definition. Factors associated with the presence of sarcopenia were assessed using a logistic regression model in participants in the 2012 survey. Subjects in the 2012 survey were followed-up prospectively for a median of 4.3 years. Mortality risk for subjects with sarcopenia was examined using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe crude prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.4% and 6.6% in participants at the 2012 and 2017 surveys, respectively; there was no significant difference between surveys (P = 0.44). The prevalence of sarcopenia increased significantly with age in both sexes (both P for trend <0.001). Subjects with sarcopenia were more likely to exercise less regularly, to intake less total energy, and to exhibit a disability in activity of daily living than those without. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was 2.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.25–3.85) in subjects with sarcopenia, compared to those without.ConclusionsApproximately 7% of older subjects had sarcopenia in a community-dwelling older Japanese population. Moreover, subjects with sarcopenia had an increased mortality risk. Our findings suggest that a public health strategy for sarcopenia is needed to extend healthy life expectancy.Key words: sarcopenia, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, prevalence, mortality     

Lipid metabolism of orchiectomised rats was affected by fructose ingestion and the amount of ingested fructose

We examined whether lipid metabolism in orchiectomised (ORX) rats was affected by fructose ingestion and the amount of ingested fructose. Sucrose was used as a fructose source. Sham-operated and ORX rats were fed one of the following three diets for 28 d: a maize starch-based diet without sucrose (SU0), a diet by which half or all of maize starch was replaced by sucrose (SU50 or SU100). Body-weight gain and food intake were increased by sucrose ingestion, but decreased by ORX. Plasma total cholesterol concentration was increased by ORX and dose-dependently by sucrose ingestion. Plasma TAG concentration was decreased by ORX, but was increased dose-dependently by sucrose ingestion. Plasma insulin concentration was decreased by ORX, but was not affected by sucrose ingestion. Liver TAG was increased by sucrose ingestion and ORX; however, liver cholesterol concentration was not affected by sucrose ingestion and ORX. The hepatic activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase 1 was not affected by sucrose ingestion and ORX; however, faecal excretion of bile acids was decreased. The mRNA level of microsomal TAG transfer protein, which is the gene related to hepatic VLDL production, was increased by ORX and sucrose ingestion. The mRNA level of uncoupling protein-1 was decreased by ORX, but not by sucrose ingestion. Plasma insulin concentration tended to correlate with the level of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c mRNA (r 0·747, P = 0·088). These results show that lipid metabolism in ORX rats would be affected by the consumption of fructose-rich sweeteners such as sucrose and high-fructose syrup.     

Peripheral Blood T Cell Gene Expression Responses to Exercise and HMB in Sarcopenia

Background: Sarcopenia is a major health problem in older adults. Exercise and nutrient supplementation have been shown to be effective interventions but there are limited studies to investigate their effects on the management of sarcopenia and its possible underlying mechanisms. Here, we studied T cell gene expression responses to interventions in sarcopenia. Methods: The results of this study were part of a completed trial examining the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention with exercise and nutrition supplementation in community-dwelling Chinese older adults with sarcopenia, based on the available blood samples at baseline and 12 weeks from 46 randomized participants from three study groups, namely: exercise program alone (n = 11), combined-exercise program and nutrition supplement (n = 23), and waitlist control group (n = 12). T cell gene expression was evaluated, with emphasis on inflammation-related genes. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed on CD3 T cells in 38 selected genes. Correlation analysis was performed to relate the results of gene expression analysis with lower limb muscle strength performance, measured using leg extension tests. Results: Our results showed a significant improvement in leg extension for both the exercise program alone and the combined groups (p < 0.001). Nine genes showed significant pre- and post-difference in gene expression over 12 weeks of intervention in the combined group. Seven genes (RASGRP1, BIN1, LEF1, ANXA6, IL-7R, LRRN3, and PRKCQ) showed an interaction effect between intervention and gene expression levels on leg extension in the confirmatory analysis, with confounder variables controlled and FDR correction. Conclusions: Our findings showed that T cell-specific inflammatory gene expression was changed significantly after 12 weeks of intervention with combined exercise and HMB supplementation in sarcopenia, and that this was associated with lower limb muscle strength performance.     

Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus Update on Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinical and research interest in sarcopenia has burgeoned internationally, Asia included. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2014 consensus defined sarcopenia as “age-related loss of muscle mass, plus low muscle strength, and/or low physical performance” and specified cutoffs for each diagnostic component; research in Asia consequently flourished, prompting this update. AWGS 2019 retains the previous definition of sarcopenia but revises the diagnostic algorithm, protocols, and some criteria: low muscle strength is defined as handgrip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women; criteria for low physical performance are 6-m walk <1.0 m/s, Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤9, or 5-time chair stand test ≥12 seconds. AWGS 2019 retains the original cutoffs for height-adjusted muscle mass: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, <7.0 kg/m² in men and <5.4 kg/m² in women; and bioimpedance, <7.0 kg/m² in men and <5.7 kg/m² in women. In addition, the AWGS 2019 update proposes separate algorithms for community vs hospital settings, which both begin by screening either calf circumference (<34 cm in men, <33 cm in women), SARC-F (≥4), or SARC-CalF (≥11), to facilitate earlier identification of people at risk for sarcopenia. Although skeletal muscle strength and mass are both still considered fundamental to a definitive clinical diagnosis, AWGS 2019 also introduces “possible sarcopenia,” defined by either low muscle strength or low physical performance only, specifically for use in primary health care or community-based health promotion, to enable earlier lifestyle interventions. Although defining sarcopenia by body mass index–adjusted muscle mass instead of height-adjusted muscle mass may predict adverse outcomes better, more evidence is needed before changing current recommendations. Lifestyle interventions, especially exercise and nutritional supplementation, prevail as mainstays of treatment. Further research is needed to investigate potential long-term benefits of lifestyle interventions, nutritional supplements, or pharmacotherapy for sarcopenia in Asians.     

Effect of genistein on insulin resistance,renal lipid metabolism,and antioxidative activities in ovariectomized rats

ObjectivesPostmenopausal women develop obesity, insulin resistance, and potentially renal dysfunction because of decreased serum estrogen levels. We investigated the effects of genistein, an estrogen-like compound thought to exert antioxidative effects, on insulin resistance, renal lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats.MethodsThree weeks after an ovariectomy or a sham surgery, rats were put on a high-fat diet containing 0% or 0.1% genistein for 4 wk. We examined the following treatment groups: sham surgery + high-fat diet (sham), ovariectomy + high-fat diet (OVX), and ovariectomy + high-fat diet with 0.1% genistein (OVX + G).ResultsThe OVX + G group had increased serum estradiol levels and renal expression of estrogen receptors-α and -β compared with the OVX group. OVX + G rats showed decreases in serum insulin levels and the insulin resistance index. OVX + G rats also exhibited decreased renal triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels, which may have been the result of decreased sterol response element binding protein-1 and -2 expressions, and increased adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter-1 and adiponectin receptor expression. The observed increases in renal lipid levels and serum and renal transforming growth factor-β in OVX rats may be associated with the increased expression of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin, and the decreased activity of metalloproteinase-2, an extracellular matrix–degrading enzyme. Ovariectomy also induced oxidative stress by the reduction of antioxidative enzymes, whereas genistein reversed these detrimental ovariectomy-induced effects.ConclusionGenistein may help to maintain normal kidney function through the alleviation of many ovariectomy-induced risk factors for renal damage, including an increased insulin resistance index, renal oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and extracellular matrix protein expression.     

The Combination of Berberine,Tocotrienols and Coffee Extracts Improves Metabolic Profile and Liver Steatosis by the Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Hepatic miR-122 and miR-34a Expression in Mice

Non-alcoholic-fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is spreading worldwide. Specific drugs for NAFLD are not yet available, even if some plant extracts show beneficial properties. We evaluated the effects of a combination, composed by Berberis Aristata, Elaeis Guineensis and Coffea Canephora, on the development of obesity, hepatic steatosis, insulin-resistance and on the modulation of hepatic microRNAs (miRNA) levels and microbiota composition in a mouse model of liver damage. C57BL/6 mice were fed with standard diet (SD, n = 8), high fat diet (HFD, n = 8) or HFD plus plant extracts (HFD+E, n = 8) for 24 weeks. Liver expression of miR-122 and miR-34a was evaluated by quantitativePCR. Microbiome analysis was performed on cecal content by 16S rRNA sequencing. HFD+E-mice showed lower body weight (p < 0.01), amelioration of insulin-sensitivity (p = 0.021), total cholesterol (p = 0.014), low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (p < 0.001), alanine-aminotransferase (p = 0.038) and hepatic steatosis compared to HFD-mice. While a decrease of hepatic miR-122 and increase of miR-34a were observed in HFD-mice compared to SD-mice, both these miRNAs had similar levels to SD-mice in HFD+E-mice. Moreover, a different microbial composition was found between SD- and HFD-mice, with a partial rescue of dysbiosis in HFD+E-mice. This combination of plant extracts had a beneficial effect on HFD-induced NAFLD by the modulation of miR-122, miR-34a and gut microbiome.     

Orange pulp improves antioxidant status and suppresses lipid peroxidation in orchidectomized male rats

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is linked to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in men. The objective of this research was to delineate whether daily consumption of orange pulp (OP) modifies antioxidant status and decreases cardiovascular risk factors in orchidectomized rats. METHODS: In the present study, 45 1-y-old male rats were randomized to a sham-control group (n = 9) and an orchidectomized group (n = 36). The orchidectomized group was equally divided among the following five treatments: orchidectomy (ORX), ORX + 2.5% OP, ORX + 5% OP, and ORX + 10% OP. One hundred twenty days after the study began, all rats were sacrificed and plasma was harvested for its antioxidant status, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, and indices of peroxidation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in the liver were also monitored. RESULTS: Orchidectomy decreased (P < 0.05) plasma levels of antioxidant, SOD, catalase, and CRP and increased (P < 0.05) plasma levels of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and lipid profile compared with the sham-control group. In contrast to ORX, ORX + OP increased (P < 0.05) plasma antioxidant, dose-dependently increased (P < 0.05) SOD and catalase, decreased (P < 0.05) plasma malondialdehyde, nitrite, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations in the liver; and had no effect (P > 0.1) on plasma CRP or lipid profiles. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of eating an orange is demonstrated by the increasing antioxidant status and by the decreasing peroxidation independent of plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol, or CRP concentrations.     

Pomegranate and its derivatives can improve bone health through decreased inflammation and oxidative stress in an animal model of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Purpose

Recently, nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits of pomegranate (PG) have raised a growing scientific interest. Since PG is endowed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, we hypothesized that it may have beneficial effects on osteoporosis.

Methods

We used ovariectomized (OVX) mice as a well-described model of postmenopausal osteoporosis to study the influence of PG consumption on bone health. Mice were divided into five groups as following: two control groups sham-operated and ovariectomized (OVX CT) mice fed a standard diet, versus three treated groups OVX mice given a modified diet from the AIN-93G diet, containing 5.7 % of PG lyophilized mashed totum (OVX PGt), or 9.6 % of PG fresh juice (OVX PGj) or 2.9 % of PG lyophilized mashed peel (OVX PGp).

Results

As expected, ovariectomy was associated with a decreased femoral bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone micro-architecture parameters. Consumption of PGj, PGp, or PGt induced bone-sparing effects in those OVX mice, both on femoral BMD and bone micro-architecture parameters. In addition, PG (whatever the part) up-regulated osteoblast activity and decreased the expression of osteoclast markers, when compared to what was observed in OVX CT animals. Consistent with the data related to bone parameters, PG consumption elicited a lower expression of pro-inflammatory makers and of enzymes involved in ROS generation, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory markers and anti-oxidant actors was enhanced.

Conclusion

These results indicate that all PG parts are effective in preventing the development of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice. Such an effect could be partially explained by an improved inflammatory and oxidative status.     

Changes in Cardiometabolic Risk Among Older Adults with Obesity: An Ancillary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Exercise Plus Weight Maintenance and Exercise Plus Intentional Weight Loss by Caloric Restriction

BackgroundObesity imposes risk to cardiometabolic health; however, intentional weight loss among older adults with obesity remains controversial.ObjectiveTo explore the influence of exercise plus weight maintenance and exercise plus intentional weight loss by caloric restriction on changes in cardiometabolic risk among older adults with obesity assessed by four risk-scoring tools.DesignUsing longitudinal data from the Calorie Restriction and Changes in Body Composition, Disease, Function, and Quality of Life in Older Adults study (CROSSROADS) (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00955903; May 2009 to October 2014), scores were calculated using baseline and 12-month data according to criteria from the International Diabetes Federation, National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel, Framingham Risk Score, and Cardiometabolic Disease Staging.Participants and settingParticipants (39% men, 23% African American, aged 70.2 ± 4.7 years) were randomized to exercise (n = 48), exercise plus nutrient-dense weight maintenance diet (n = 44), or exercise plus weight loss by moderate caloric restriction (n = 42).Main outcome measuresTo evaluate effects of exercise plus weight maintenance and exercise plus intentional weight loss on changes in cardiometabolic risk.Statistical analyses performedGeneralized estimating equations were used to assess changes in risk with ethnicity, biological sex, and age as covariates.ResultsGroup-time interaction was only significant for Framingham and Cardiometabolic Disease Staging (P = 0.005 and 0.041, respectively). Upon post hoc analysis, significant within-group improvements in Framingham scores were observed for exercise plus weight maintenance (P < 0.001; r = –1.682) and exercise plus weight loss (P = 0.020; r = –0.881). In analysis of between-group differences in Framingham scores, significant decreases were observed in the exercise plus weight maintenance group (P = 0.001; r = –1.723) compared with the exercise group. For Cardiometabolic Disease Staging, the exercise plus weight loss group had significant within-group improvements (P = 0.023; r = –0.102). For between-group differences in Cardiometabolic Disease Staging, the exercise plus weight loss group showed significant risk reduction (P = 0.012; r = –0.142) compared with the exercise group.ConclusionsAmong risk scores evaluated, Framingham and Cardiometabolic Disease Staging showed significantly greater sensitivity to change in cardiometabolic risk. Older adults with obesity can significantly lower cardiometabolic risk through exercise plus weight maintenance or exercise plus weight loss by moderate caloric restriction.