Fluid intake of Latin American children and adolescents: results of four 2016 <Emphasis Type="Italic">LIQ.IN</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">7</Emphasis></Superscript> National Cross-Sectional Surveys

Purpose

The primary aim of this survey was to report total fluid intake (TFI) and different fluid types for children (4–9 years) and adolescents (10–17 years) in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The second aim was to compare TFI with the adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids as recommended by the USA Institute of Medicine.

Methods

Data were collected using a validated liquid intake 7-day record (Liq.In ⁷ ). Participants’ characteristics, including age, sex and anthropometric measurements were recorded.

Results

A total of 733 children and 933 adolescents were recruited. Over 75% of children in Uruguay met the IOM’s recommended intake. Fewer children in Argentina (64–72%) and Brazil (41–50%) obtained AI and the lowest values were recorded in Mexico (33–44%), where 16% of boys and 14% girls drank 50% or less of the AI. More adolescents in Argentina (42%) met the AIs than other countries; the lowest was in Mexico (28%). Children and adolescents in Mexico and Argentina drank more sugar sweetened beverages than water.

Conclusions

Large numbers of children and adolescents did not meet AI recommendations for TFI, raising concerns about their hydration status and potential effects on mental and physical well-being. Given the negative effects on children’s health, the levels of SSB consumption are worrying.

     

Fluid intake of children,adolescents and adults in Indonesia: results of the 2016 Liq.In<Superscript>7</Superscript> national cross-sectional survey

Purpose

To report daily total fluid intake (TFI) and fluid types in Indonesia according to age, sex, socio-economic status (SES) and geographic region, and compare TFI with the Indonesian adequate fluid intake (AI) recommendations.

Methods

Data were collected in 32 cities over nine regions from children (4–9 years, n?=?388), adolescents, (10–17 years, n?=?478) and adults (18–65 years, n?=?2778) using a fluid intake 7-day record (Liq.In⁷); socio-economic status was also recorded. The 7-day mean TFIs were compared with the AI of water set by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.

Results

Total median fluid intakes for all age groups exceeded 2000 mL/day. At population level, TFI was associated with household income (P?<?0.001), education (P?<?0.001) and Indonesian geographical regions (P?<?0.001). More than 67% of participants met the AI of water from fluids. A higher percentage of children and adolescents met the AI (78 and 80%, respectively), compared with adults (72%). Drinking water was the main contributor to TFI in all age groups (76–81%). Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) were consumed by 62% children, 72% adolescents and 61% of adults. An SSB intake?≥?1 serving per day was observed for 24% children, 41% adolescents and 33% adults.

Conclusions

A high percentage of the population drank enough to meet the AI of water from fluids. Water was the most frequently consumed drink; however, many participants consumed at least one serving of SSB per day. This study provides data to help direct targeted intervention programs.

     

A comparison of drinking behavior using a harmonized methodology (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Liq.In</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">7</Emphasis></Superscript>) in six countries

Purpose

To assess drinking occasions (volume and type) according to consumption with food in or outside meals, and location, for six countries.

Methods

A total of 10,521 participants aged 4–65 years from Argentina, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico and Uruguay completed a validated 7-day fluid intake record. For each drinking event, the volume consumed, the fluid type, the location of intake, and whether the drink was accompanied by food (meal or snack) or not, was recorded.

Results

Similar drinking behaviors were found in Mexico and Argentina; fluid intake during meals was 48 and 45% of total fluid intake (TFI), respectively. In Brazil (55%), Indonesia (58%) and China (66%) most fluid was consumed without food. In Uruguay, 34% of TFI was with a main meal, 31% with food between meals and 35% without food. Indonesia had the highest median (25–75th percentile) TFI; 2520 (1750–3347) mL/day, and China the lowest 1138 (818–3347) mL/day. Water was consumed with meals for 37% of Chinese and 87% of Indonesian participants, while the four Latin-American American countries showed a preference for sweet drinks; 54% in Mexico, 67% in Brazil, 55% in Argentina and 59% in Uruguay. Diversity in fluid type was noted when drinking with food between meals. Apart from China, most drinking occasions (>?75%) occurred at home.

Conclusions

Three distinct drinking behaviors were identified, namely, drinking with meals, drinking as a stand-alone activity, and a type of ‘grazing’ (i.e., frequent drinks throughout the day) behavior. Most drinking occasions occurred at home.

     

Fluid intake of Latin American adults: results of four 2016 Liq.In<Superscript>7</Superscript> national cross-sectional surveys

Purpose

To report total fluid intake (TFI) and the intake of different fluid types in adults (≥?18 years old) from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. To compare intakes between countries and with recommended adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected using a validated liquid intake 7-day record (Liq.In ⁷ ) in populations from Argentina (n?=?1089), Brazil (n?=?477), Mexico (n?=?1677) and Uruguay (n?=?554). Population characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index and socioeconomic level were recorded. Mean TFI was compared with the AI of water from fluids set by the USA Institute of Medicine.

Results

The lowest TFI was recorded in Mexican women (1748 mL/day) and the highest in Argentinean men (2318 mL/day). Median daily TFI was significantly different between countries; Uruguay and Argentina had higher values than Mexico and Brazil. In the former, plain water contributed to only 25% of TFI, the remainder being predominantly from hot beverages. Approximately, a third of adults did not drink enough fluid to meet the recommended AI. High SSB consumption was reported, which was significantly different between countries (p?<?0.05), the highest being in Mexico (median 25–75th percentiles): 531 (300–895 mL/day.

Conclusions

This survey highlights the need to increase water consumption and reduce SSB intake in this region to avoid potential associated health risks. These findings may be useful information in monitoring public health policy strategies.

     

Antibiotics for the treatment of Cholera, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shigella</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptosporidium</Emphasis>in children

Background

Diarrhea is a major contributor to the burden of morbidity and mortality in children; it accounts for a median of 11% of all deaths among children aged less than 5 years, amounting to approximately 0.8 million deaths per year. Currently there is a dearth of literature exploring the effectiveness of antibiotics for diarrhea due to Cholera, Shigella and cryptosporidiosis in children.

Methods

We reviewed the literature reporting the effect of antibiotics for the treatment of diarrhea due to Cholera, Shigella and Cryptosporidium in children under five years. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses to determine the effect of the treatment with various antibiotics on mortality and rates of clinical and bacteriological/parasitological failure. The CHERG Standard Rules were applied to determine the final effect of treatment with antibiotics on diarrhea morbidity and mortality.

Results

For Cholera; the evidence was weak to recommend any effect on mortality. For Shigella; there was no data on mortality; either all-cause or cause specific, hence we used clinical failure rates as a proxy for Shigella deaths and propose that treatment of Shigella dysentery with antibiotics can result in a 82% reduction in diarrhea mortality due to Shigella. For cryptosporidiosis; there was data on all-cause mortality but the evidence was weak hence we used clinical failure rates as a proxy for mortality to estimate that antimicrobial treatment of diarrhea due to cryptosporidiosis can result in a 54% reduction in mortality.

Conclusions

There is evidence to recommend antibiotic use for reduction of morbidity and mortality due to Cholera, Shigella and Cryptosporidium. We recommend that more clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first- and second- line drugs currently in use for treatment for diarrhea and dysentery in both developing and developed countries.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia hispanica</Emphasis> L. (chia) seeds oil extracts reduce lipid accumulation and produce stress resistance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caenorhabditis elegans</Emphasis>

Background

Salvia hispanica seeds have been commonly used by people that seek healthy habits through natural foods to reduce cholesterol and triacylglycerides levels, however, the evidences that support this assumption are still scarce in literature. Here, we aimed to evaluate the lipid lowering effects of chia by using Caenorhabditis elegans as animal model, a nematode that has proven its usefulness for lipid metabolism studies.

Methods

We prepared hexane (HE) and Bligh-Dyer (BDE) extracts, evaluated and compared their safety, antioxidant potential and their lipid-lowering activity in the worms.

Results

The characterization of both extracts demonstrated that there were no differences in their lipid composition; however, BDE depicted better antioxidant potential. Both extracts reduced worm’s survival from 2%, and reproduction was reduced following treatment with both extracts, though a more notable effect was observed in HE-treated worms. In addition, the non-toxic concentration of both extracts (1%) increased stress resistance against paraquat toxicity in an antidote paradigm. Notably, this same concentration of both extracts reduced lipid accumulation in obese worms, which was not caused by food deprivation.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data demonstrate that both extraction methods from chia seeds result in oils that are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may modulate lipid accumulation and provide antioxidant resistance in C. elegans.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sasa veitchii</Emphasis> extract suppresses carbon tetrachloride-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity in mice

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of a Sasa veitchii leaf extract (SE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity.

Methods

Seven-week-old male ddy mice were orally administered SE or saline for seven days. Twenty-four hours after the last SE or saline administration, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with 3 g/kg CCl₄ or olive oil. The mice from each group were euthanized and bled for plasma analysis 24 h after the CCl₄/olive oil injection.

Results

We found that pretreatment with SE completely abolished the CCl₄-induced mortality in the mice after 24 h. The mice pretreated with SE exhibited significantly decreased levels of functional markers, and reduced histological damage in both the liver and the kidney. Furthermore, we found that the SE pretreatment decreased lipid peroxidation and calcium levels in the liver. Although SE could not induce the free radical-scavenging metallothioneins, the plasma biological antioxidant power was significantly increased in the mice pretreated with SE.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that prophylactic treatment with SE protects mice from CCl₄-induced lethal toxicity by decreasing oxidative stress in the liver and kidney, presumably by increasing biological antioxidant power.

     

Association between <Emphasis Type="Italic">NAT2</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP1A1</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP1A2</Emphasis> genotypes,heterocyclic aromatic amines,and prostate cancer risk: a case control study in Japan

Background

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) may confer prostate cancer risk; however, the evidence is inconclusive and the activity of HAA-metabolizing enzymes is modulated by gene variants. The purpose of our study was to determine whether there was evidence of an association between HAA intake, polymorphisms in NAT2, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 and prostate cancer risk in Japanese men.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of an observational case control study was performed. Among 750 patients with prostate cancer and 870 healthy controls, 351 cases and 351 age-matched controls were enrolled for analysis. HAA intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and genotypes were scored by TaqMan real-time PCR assay. Logistic regression analysis was conducted according to affected/control status.

Results

We found that high HAA intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio (OR), 1.90; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.40–2.59). The increased risk of prostate cancer was observed among individuals with the NAT2 slow acetylator phenotype (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.04–2.61), CYP1A1 GA + GG genotype (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02–1.59), and CYP1A2 CA + AA genotype (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.03–2.00). In addition, CYP1A1 GA + GG genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk in low (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.19–3.63), moderate (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.07–2.76), and high (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.83–4.47) HAA intake groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that high HAA intake is a risk factor of prostate cancer, and genotypes related to HAA metabolic enzymes can modulate the degree of the risk.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sasa veitchii</Emphasis> extract protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

Background

The current study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Sasa veitchii extract (SE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with CCl₄ dissolved in olive oil (1 g/kg) twice per week for 8 weeks. SE (0.1 mL) was administered orally once per day throughout the study, and body weight was measured weekly. Seventy-two hours after the final CCl₄ injection, mice were euthanized and plasma samples were collected. The liver and kidneys were collected and weighed.

Results

CCl₄ administration increased liver weight, decreased body weight, elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase and increased liver oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and glutathione). These increases were attenuated by SE treatment. Overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α was also reversed following SE treatment. Furthermore, CCl₄-induced increases in α-smooth muscle actin, a marker for hepatic fibrosis, were attenuated in mice treated with SE. Moreover, SE inhibited CCl₄-induced nuclear translocation of hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

Conclusion

These results suggested that SE prevented CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

     

Consumption of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bifidobacterium animalis</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">lactis</Emphasis> BB-12 in yogurt reduced expression of TLR-2 on peripheral blood-derived monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in young adults

Purpose

Probiotic bacteria modulate immune parameters and inflammatory outcomes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the matrix used to deliver probiotics may influence the efficacy of probiotic interventions in vivo. The aims of the current study were to evaluate (1) the effect of one species, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 at a dose of log10 ± 0.5 CFUs/day on immune responses in a randomized, partially blinded, 4-period crossover, free-living study, and (2) whether the immune response to BB-12 differed depending on the delivery matrix.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 30) aged 18–40 years were recruited and received four treatments in a random order: (A) yogurt smoothie alone; smoothie with BB-12 added (B) before or (C) after yogurt fermentation, or (D) BB-12 given in capsule form. At baseline and after each 4-week treatment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and functional and phenotypic marker expression was assessed.

Results

BB-12 interacted with peripheral myeloid cells via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2). The percentage of CD14⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells in peripheral blood was increased in male participants by all yogurt-containing treatments compared to baseline (p = 0.0356). Participants who consumed yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added post-fermentation had significantly lower expression of TLR-2 on CD14⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells (p = 0.0186) and reduction in TNF-α secretion from BB-12- (p = 0.0490) or LPS-stimulated (p = 0.0387) PBMCs compared to baseline.

Conclusions

These findings not only demonstrate a potential anti-inflammatory effect of BB-12 in healthy adults, but also indicate that the delivery matrix influences the immunomodulatory properties of BB-12.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterococcus hirae</Emphasis> biofilm formation on hospital material surfaces and effect of new biocides

Background

Nowadays, the bacterial contamination in the hospital environment is of particular concern because the hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. This work evaluated the capability of Enterococcus hirae to form biofilm on different surfaces and the action of two biocides on the produced biofilms.

Methods

The biofilm formation of E. hirae ATCC 10541 was studied on polystyrene and stainless steel surfaces through the biomass quantification and the cell viability at 20 and 37 °C. The effect of LH IDROXI FAST and LH ENZYCLEAN SPRAY biocides on biomasses was expressed as percentage of biofilm reduction. E. hirae at 20 and 37 °C produced more biofilm on the stainless steel in respect to the polystyrene surface. The amount of viable cells was greater at 20 °C than with 37 °C on the two analyzed surfaces. Biocides revealed a good anti-biofilm activity with the most effect for LH ENZYCLEAN SPRAY on polystyrene and stainless steel at 37 °C with a maximum biofilm reduction of 85.72 and 86.37%, respectively.

Results

E. hirae is a moderate biofilm producer depending on surface material and temperature, and the analyzed biocides express a remarkable antibiofilm action.

Conclusion

The capability of E. hirae to form biofilm can be associated with its increasing incidence in hospital-acquired infections, and the adoption of suitable disinfectants is strongly recommended.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydia trachomatis</Emphasis> and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Meta-analysis of Patients With and Without Infection

Objectives

We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association between Chlamydia trachomatis and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched between 1970 and 2013. Included studies reported perinatal outcomes in women with and without chlamydia. Summary odds ratios were calculated using fixed- and random-effects models. Study bias was assessed using a Funnel Plot and Begg’s test.

Results

Of 129 articles identified, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria encompassing 614,892 subjects. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy was associated with preterm birth (OR?=?1.27, 95% CI 1.05, 1.54) with a large quantity of heterogeneity (I²?=?61%). This association lost significance when limiting the analysis to high-quality studies based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy was also associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR?=?1.81, 95% CI 1.0, 3.29), endometritis (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.20, 2.38), low birthweight (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21, 1.48), small for gestational age (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.25) and intrauterine fetal demise (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06, 1.94).

Conclusions

This review provides evidence that chlamydia in pregnancy is associated with a small increase in the odds of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. The literature is complicated by heterogeneity and the fact that the association may not hold in higher quality and prospective studies or those that use more contemporary nucleic acid testing.

     

Guidelines on acute gastroenteritis in children: a critical appraisal of their quality and <Emphasis Type="Italic">applicability</Emphasis> in primary care

Background

Reasons for poor guideline adherence in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children in high-income countries are unclear, but may be due to inconsistency between guideline recommendations, lack of evidence, and lack of generalizability of the recommendations to general practice. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of international guidelines on AGE in children and investigate the generalizability of the recommendations to general practice.

Methods

Guidelines were retrieved from websites of professional medical organisations and websites of institutes involved in guideline development. In addition, a systematic search of the literature was performed. Articles were selected if they were a guideline, consensus statement or care protocol.

Results

Eight guidelines met the inclusion criteria, the quality of the guidelines varied. 242 recommendations on diagnosis and management were found, of which 138 (57%) were based on evidence.There is a large variety in the classification of symptoms to different categories of dehydration. No signs are generalizable to general practice.It is consistently recommended to use hypo-osmolar ORS, however, the recommendations on ORS-dosage are not evidence based and are inconsistent. One of 14 evidence based recommendations on therapy of AGE is based on outpatient research and is therefore generalizable to general practice.

Conclusions

The present study shows considerable variation in the quality of guidelines on AGE in children, as well as inconsistencies between the recommendations. It remains unclear how to asses the extent of dehydration and determine the preferred treatment or referral of a young child with AGE presenting in general practice.

     

The synergistic effect between the Mediterranean diet and <Emphasis Type="Italic">GSTP1</Emphasis> or <Emphasis Type="Italic">NAT2</Emphasis> SNPs decreases breast cancer risk in Greek-Cypriot women

Purpose

Xenobiotic metabolism is related to the interplay between diet and breast cancer (BC) risk. This involves detoxification enzymes, which are polymorphic and metabolise various dietary metabolites. An important characteristic of this pathway is that chemoprotective micronutrients can act not only as substrates but also as inducers for these enzymes. We investigated whether functional GSTP1 (p.Ile105Val-rs1695), NAT2 (590G>A-rs1799930) SNPs and GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms could modulate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on BC risk, in Greek-Cypriot women.

Methods

Genotyping was performed on women from the MASTOS case–control study of BC in Cyprus. A 32-item food-frequency questionnaire was used to obtain dietary intake information. A dietary pattern, which closely resembles the MD (high loadings of vegetables, fruit, legumes and fish), was previously derived with principal component analysis and was used as our dietary variable.

Results

GSTT1 null genotype increased BC risk compared with the homozygous non-null GSTT1 genotype (OR 1.21, 95 % CI 1.01–1.45). Increasing adherence to the MD reduced BC risk in women with at least one GSTP1 Ile allele (OR for Ile/Ile = 0.84, 95 % CI 0.74–0.95, for Ile/Val = 0.73, 95 % CI 0.62–0.85) or one NAT2 590G allele (OR for 590 GG = 0.73, 95 % CI 0.63–0.83, for 590 GA = 0.81, 95 % CI 0.70–0.94). p interaction values were not, however, statistically significant.

Conclusion

The homozygous null GSTT1 genotype could be a risk allele for BC among Greek-Cypriot women. The anticarcinogenic effects of the high adherence to MD against BC risk could also be further enhanced when combined with the wild-type alleles of the detoxification GSTP1 or NAT2 SNPs.

     

Evaluation of nutritional value,characteristics, functional properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cymodocea nodosa</Emphasis> and its benefits on health diseases

Background

Nutritional fact study has prime importance to make the species edible and commercially viable to the food consumers. This is the first report that indicates the chemical characterization, functional, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of Cymodocea nodosa to evaluate its nutritional status.

Methods

Physico-chemical determination was determined by colorimetric and spectroscopic analysis. The functional and texture properties were evaluated since a desirable texture should be retained. Bioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS2 analysis. Health benefit of this plant was highlighting by the antioxidant and antihypertensive potentials.

Results

Results showed that the seagrass powder was characterized by a high content of fibers (56.4%), the fatty acids profile was dominated by the oleic acid, which represents about 62.0% of the total fatty acids and the functional properties proved important values of swelling capacity (6.71?±?0.2) and water holding capacity (12.26?±?0.25), that were comparable to those of some foodstuffs. Finally, the physico-chemical analysis shows the wealth in phenolic compounds, that could be explained by the high antioxidant and antihypertensive ability which was concentration dependent.

Conclusion

The results from this study suggested that this marine plant could be utilized as a healthy food item for human consumption.

     

Cost-effectiveness of combined serum anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis> IgG antibody and serum pepsinogen concentrations for screening for gastric cancer risk in Japan

Background

A combination of assays for the presence of serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody (HPA) and serum pepsinogen (PG) concentrations can be used to screen for gastric cancer risk. In Japan, this “ABC method” is considered an effective means of stratifying gastric cancer risk. This study aimed to ascertain its cost-effectiveness for assessing gastric cancer risk.

Methods

A Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of two strategies for gastric cancer-risk screening over a 30-year period: the ABC method, which uses a combination of assessing the presence of HPA and measuring serum PG concentrations and scheduling endoscopies accordingly, and annual endoscopic screening. Clinical and epidemiological data on variables in the model were obtained from published reports. Analyses were made from the perspective of the Japanese health care payer.

Results

According to base-case analysis, the ABC method cost less than annual endoscopic screening (64,489 vs. 64,074 USD) and saved more lives (18.16 vs. 18.30 quality-adjusted life years). One-way analyses confirmed the robustness of the cost-effectiveness results. The probability that the ABC method is cost-effective in Japanese individuals aged 50 years was 0.997.

Conclusions

A combination of HPA and serum PG assays, plus scheduling endoscopy accordingly, is a cost-effective method of screening for gastric cancer risk in Japan.

     

Effects of 12-week supplementation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus bergamia</Emphasis> extracts-based formulation CitriCholess on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Backgrounds

Recent experiments suggest that Citrus bergamia extracts could benefit people with dyslipidemia and obesity but this needs to be further validated.

Methods

A total of 98 people age-matched older adults (65 years) with elevated blood lipids were enrolled to receive 12-week supplementation of a Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation (CitriCholess)(n?=?48) and placebo (n?=?50).

Results

No group differences were found in baseline bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), blood cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose levels. CitriCholess supplementation resulted in lower levels than placebo in TG (1.83?±?0.92 vs. 1.95?±?1.34 mmol/L, P?=?0.612), TC (5.14?±?0.98 vs. 5.44?±?0.77 mmol/L, P?=?0.097), and LDL-C (3.13?±?0.74 vs. 3.43?±?0.62 mmol/L, P?=?0.032). Compared to placebo, CitriCholess also resulted in greater reductions in body weight (?0.604?±?0.939 vs. 0.06?±?0.74 kg, P?<?0.01), waist circumferences (?0.60?±?1.349 cm vs. -0.16?±?1.503 cm, P?<?0.01) and BMI (?0.207?±?0.357 vs. 0.025?±?0.274, P?<?0.01). Additionally, females had a significantly higher level of HDL-C than males. TC was significantly correlated with LDL-C, and to a less degree, with TG. TG was inversely correlated with HDL-C. Body weight and waist circumference were negatively correlated with HDL-C and positively correlated with glucose.

Conclusion

12-week supplementation of CitriCholess could benefit lipid metabolism and weight management in old adults with dyslipidemia.

     

Quail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coturnix japonica</Emphasis>) egg yolk bioactive components attenuate streptozotocin-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Introduction

The testicular milieu is the machinery for the metabolism of testosterone in the male reproductive system.

Purpose

The dysfunction of this highly regenerating system is inevitable in the condition of glucose imbalance as a result of insulin machinery impairment. Therefore, it is imperative to recommend dietary intervention for attenuating the testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress resulting from STZ-induction of diabetes.

Methods

STZ-induced diabetes (65 mg/kg, ip) was treated with QEYEM (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) for 7weeks. In serum, glucose, testosterone, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were estimated, and in testis, tissues TBARS, sulfhydryl groups, nucleic acids and total protein (TP) levels were estimated. SOD, CAT and GST activities were also determined in testicular cells. Histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross-section of testis.

Results

Testosterone concentration was decreased while pro-inflammatory markers were increased in STZ-assaulted rats. Treatment using QEYEM of diabetic rats corrected assaults and reverse significantly the diabetic conditions. QEYEM-treated groups showed significant inhibition of TBARS levels and elevation of testicular GSH, NP-SH, total protein (TP) and nucleic acids—DNA and RNA levels. The QEYEM administration reversed the inhibited activities of SOD, CAT and GST in testicular cells in diabetic rats. The characterization of the extract carried out through HPLC analytical techniques revealed vitamins A, D and E concentrations of 0.645, 0.012 and 6.3 mg/100 g, respectively.

Conclusion

QEYEM supplementation to STZ-induced diabetic rats for seven (7) consecutive weeks is a potential intervention against testicular damage in adult diabetic rats, probably by decreasing oxidative stress.

     

Daily intake of fermented milk with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus casei</Emphasis> strain Shirota reduces the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections in healthy middle-aged office workers

Purpose

Although several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of probiotics for preventing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in at-risk populations, including children and the elderly, few studies have investigated the efficacy of probiotics in healthy adults living normal, everyday lives. Thus, we tried to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota-fermented milk (LcS-FM) on the incidence of URTIs in healthy middle-aged office workers.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, 96 eligible male workers aged 30–49 years consumed LcS-FM containing 1.0 × 10¹¹ viable LcS cells or control milk (CM) once daily for 12 weeks during the winter season. URTI episodes were evaluated by a physician via a questionnaire of URTI symptoms.

Results

The incidence of URTIs during the intervention period was significantly lower in the LcS-FM group than in the CM group (22.4 vs. 53.2 %, P = 0.002). The time-to-event analysis showed that the LcS-FM group had a significantly higher URTI-free rate than the CM group over the test period (log-rank test: χ ² 11.25, P = 0.0008). The cumulative number of URTI episodes and cumulative days with URTI symptoms per person was lower in the LcS-FM group, and the duration per episode was shorter. Inhibition of both reductions in NK cell activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and increases in salivary cortisol levels was observed in the LcS-FM group.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the daily intake of fermented milk with LcS may reduce the risk of URTIs in healthy middle-aged office workers, probably through modulation of the immune system.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">SEPP1</Emphasis> polymorphisms modulate serum glucose and lipid response to Brazil nut supplementation

Purpose

The consumption of Brazil nuts has been associated with benefits to lipid metabolism and reductions in total cholesterol and LDL concentrations. They are the richest natural source of selenium which has essential functions in human physiology. Genetic polymorphisms in Selenoprotein P could impair lipid and glucose metabolisms. The aim of this work was to verify the influence of polymorphisms in genes for selenoproteins on blood lipid levels after dietary supplementation with Brazil nuts in healthy adults.

Methods

The study included 130 healthy volunteers selected at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. They were supplemented with one nut a day for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks without intervention. The following analyses were performed: anthropometric measurements, serum fasting glucose, lipid profile, C-reactive protein and plasma MDA levels. The volunteers were genotyped for SNPs rs1050450, rs3811699, rs1800699, rs713041, rs3877899, rs7579, rs34713741, and rs5845 in genes for selenoproteins.

Results

The concentrations of total cholesterol and fasting glucose levels decreased after 8 weeks of supplementation (p < 0.05). Glucose levels were modulated by rs3877899 in SEPP1, with significantly lower levels observed for individuals with the GA + AA genotype (p = 0.025). In addition, rs7579 was associated with cholesterol concentrations, which were significantly lower for individuals with the GG genotype (p = 0.053).

Conclusions

Supplementation with one Brazil nut a day for 8 weeks reduced total cholesterol and glucose levels. Furthermore, our results suggest that rs3877899 might be associated with glucose concentrations and rs7579 with cholesterol concentrations. Therefore, the effect of genetic variations should be considered in future nutritional interventions evaluating the response to Brazil nut supplementation.