Reducing glucose infusion safely prevents hyperglycemia in post-surgical children

Background & aims

To investigate the effects of two different glucose infusions on glucose homeostasis and amino acid metabolism in post-surgical children.

Methods

This randomized crossover study evaluated glucose and amino acid metabolism in eight children (age 9.8 ± 1.9 months, weight 9.5 ± 1.1 kg) admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital after surgical correction for non-syndromal craniosynostosis. Patients were randomized to receive low (LG; 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) and standard (SG; 5.0 mg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) glucose infusion in a crossover setting. After a bolus (4 g kg⁻¹) of deuterium oxide, we conducted a primed, constant, 8 h tracer infusion with [6,6-²H₂]Glucose, [1-¹³C]Leucine, [ring-²H₅]Phenylalanine and [3,3-²H₂]Tyrosine.

Results

SG resulted in hyperglycemia (defined as > 6.1 mmol L⁻¹), while during LG plasma glucose levels were normoglycemic (5.9 ± 0.6 vs. 7.5 ± 1.7 mmol L⁻¹; LG vs. SG respectively, p = 0.02). Hypoglycemia did not occur during LG infusion. Endogenous glucose production was not fully suppressed during the hyperglycemic state under SG and increased with reduced glucose infusion (2.6 ± 1.5 vs. 1.1 ± 1.4 mg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹; LG vs. SG; p = 0.05). Whole body protein balance derived from leucine and phenylalanine kinetics was slightly negative but not further affected with a decrease in glucose infusion.

Conclusions

The current recommended glucose infusion induces hyperglycemia in post-surgical children. A reduced glucose infusion safely reduced high glucose levels, while children were capable to sustain normoglycemia with increased endogenous glucose production. The reduced glucose infusion did not exacerbate the mild catabolic state in which the patients were.     

Integrated nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) supplementation in trauma patients

An anabolic stimulus is needed in addition to conventional nutritional support in the catabolic “flow” phase of severe trauma. One promising therapy appears to be rhGH infusion which has direct as well as hormonal mediated substrate effects. We investigated on a whole-body level, the basic metabolic effects of trauma within 48–60 h after injury in 20 severely injured (injury severity score [ISS] = 31 ± 2), highly catabolic (N LOSS = 19 ± 2 g/d), hypermetabolic (resting energy expenditure [REE] = 141 ± 5% basal energy expenditure [BEE]), adult (age 46 ± 5 y) multiple-trauma victims, before starting nutrition therapy and its modification after 1 wk of rhGH supplementation with TPN (1.1 × REE calories, 250 mg N·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹). Group H (n = 10) randomly received at 8:00 a.m. on a daily basis rhGH (0.15 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and Group C (n = 10) received the vehicle of infusion. Protein metabolism (turnover, synthesis and breakdown rates, and N balance); glucose kinetics (production, oxidation, and recycling); lipid metabolism, (lipolysis and fat oxidation rates), daily metabolic and fuel substrate oxidation rate (indirect calorimetry); and plasma levels of hormones, substrates, and amino acids were quantified. In group H compared to group C: N balance is less negative (−41 ± 18 vs −121 ± 19 mg N·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, P = 0.001); whole body protein synthesis rate is 28 ± 2% (P = 0.05) higher; protein synthesis efficiency is higher (62 ± 2% vs 48 ± 3%, P = 0.010); plasma glucose level is significantly elevated (256 ± 25 vs 202 ± 17 mg/dL, P = 0.05) without affecting hepatic glucose output (1.51 ± 0.20 vs 1.56 ± 0.6 mg N·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), glucose oxidation and recycling rates; significantly enhanced rate of lipolysis (P = 0.006) and free fatty acid reesterification (P = 0.05); significantly elevated plasma levels of anabolic GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and insulin; trauma induced counter-regulatory hormone (cortisol, glucagon, catecholamines) levels are not altered; trauma induced hypoaminoacidemia is normalized (P < 0.05) and 3-methylhistidine excretion is significantly low (P < 0.001). Improved plasma IGF-1 levels in Group H compared with Group C account for protein anabolic effects of adjuvant rhGH and may be helpful in promoting tissue repair and early recovery. Skeletal muscle protein is spared by rhGH resulting in the stimulation of visceral protein breakdown. The hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemia observed during rhGH supplementation may be due to defective nonoxidative glucose disposal, as well as inhibition of glucose transport activity into tissue cells. The simultaneous operation of increased lipolytic and reesterification processes may allow the adipocyte to respond rapidly to changes in peripheral metabolic fuel requirements during injury. This integral approach helps us to better understand the mechanism of the metabolic effects of rhGH.     

Vitamin D status and resistance exercise training independently affect glucose tolerance in older adults

We assessed the influence of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations on oral glucose tolerance, body composition, and muscle strength in older, nondiabetic adults who performed resistance exercise training (RT) while consuming diets with either 0.9 or 1.2 g protein kg⁻¹ d⁻¹. We hypothesized that individuals with insufficient 25(OH)D and/or high PTH would have less improvement in glucose tolerance after 12 weeks of RT compared with individuals with sufficient 25(OH)D and lower PTH. Sixteen men and 19 women (aged 61 ± 8 years; range, 50-80 years; body mass index, 26.3 ± 3.6 kg/m²) performed RT 3 times/wk for 12 weeks, with oral glucose tolerance tests done at baseline and postintervention. Protein intake did not influence the responses described below. Plasma glucose area under the curve (P = .02) and 2-hour plasma glucose concentration (P = .03) were higher for vitamin D–insufficient subjects (25[OH]D <50 nmol/L, n = 7) vs vitamin D–sufficient subjects (25[OH]D ≥50 nmol/L, n = 28). These differences remained significant after adjustment for age and body mass index. Resistance exercise training reduced fat mass (mean ± SD, −6% ± 7%; P < .001) and increased lean body mass (2% ± 3%, P < .001) and whole-body muscle strength (32% ± 17%, P < .001) in these weight-stable subjects but did not affect 25(OH)D or PTH concentrations. Oral glucose tolerance improved after RT (−10% ± 16% in glucose area under the curve and −21% ± 40% in 2-hour glucose, P = .001), but baseline 25(OH)D and PTH did not influence these RT-induced changes. These findings indicate that vitamin D status and RT independently affect glucose tolerance, and a training-induced improvement in glucose tolerance does not offset the negative effect of insufficient vitamin D status in older, nondiabetic adults.     

Intake of hot water–extracted apple protects against myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis in an ischemia/reperfusion rat model

Intakes of apple and its products are shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by delaying occlusion of coronary arteries. In our previous study, we showed that apple pectin protected against myocardial injury by prohibiting apoptotic cascades in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion. Thus, we hypothesized that water-extracted apple, into which apple pectin was released from the cell wall, might exhibit the same efficacy as apple pectin. To test this hypothesis, we fed rats either cold water– (400 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) or hot water–extracted apples (HWEA; 40, 100, and 400 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹). Three days later, the rats were subjected to myocardial injuries by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (30 minutes), and subsequently, the heart (3 hours) reperfused by releasing the ligation. Only the rats that were supplemented with HWEA (400 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) showed significant reductions in infarct size, which was 28.5% smaller than that of the control group. This infarct size reduction could be partly attributed to the prevention of steps leading to apoptosis. These steps are manifested by a higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio, lower procaspase-3 conversion to caspase-3, and inhibition of DNA nick generation, which reflects the extent of apoptosis. The findings indicate that HWEA supplementation reduces myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis under ischemia/reperfusion conditions. In conclusion, this study suggests that apple intake, specifically boiled apple, might reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by inhibiting postocclusion steps, such as myocardial injury after artery occlusion, as well as preocclusion steps, such as atherosclerotic plaque formation.     

In Vivo Evaluation of Dendropanax morbifera Leaf Extract for Anti-Obesity and Cholesterol-Lowering Activity in Mice

Metabolic syndrome is a worldwide health problem, and obesity is closely related to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer. According to WHO in 2018, the prevalence of obesity in 2016 tripled compared to 1975. D. morbifera reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood and provides various antioxidant nutrients and germicidal sub-stances, as well as selenium, which helps to remove active oxygen. Moreover, D. morbifera is useful for treating cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Therefore, we study in vivo efficacy of D. morbifera to investigate the prevention effect of obesity and cholesterol. The weight and body fat were effectively reduced by D. morbifera water (DLW) extract administration to high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice compared to those of control mice. The group treated with DLW 500 mg∙kg⁻¹∙d⁻¹ had significantly lower body weights compared to the control group. In addition, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the group treated with DLW 500 mg∙kg⁻¹∙d⁻¹. The effect of DLW on the serum lipid profile could be helpful to prevent obesity. DLW suppresses lipid formation in adipocytes and decreases body fat. In conclusion, DLW can be applied to develop anti-obesity functional foods and other products to reduce body fat.     

Reduction in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: 6-Month Results from ProjectActive

Background.ProjectActiveis a randomized clinical trial that compares a lifestyle physical activity intervention with a traditional structured exercise intervention. The purpose of this paper is to report 6-month results of these interventions on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among healthy, sedentary, middle-aged men and women, and to examine the psychological strategies used in each group (Lifestyle and Structured) to reach the level of physical activity recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and to achieve changes in these CVD risk factors.Methods.A total of 116 initially sedentary men (mean ± SD self-reported physical activity, 33.2 ± 1.4 kcal · kg⁻¹· day⁻¹) and 119 women (32.9 ± 1.0 kcal · kg⁻¹· day⁻¹), ages 35–60 years (46.0 ± 6.7 years) were randomly assigned to a 6-month lifestyle physical activity counseling intervention or a 6-month gymnasium-based structured program. At baseline and 6 months, changes in lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, blood pressure, and body composition and cognitive and behavioral measures of change were assessed. One-way analyses of variance with covariate adjustment were used to test for between-group differences in CVD risk factors. Associations between achieving the CDC/ACSM criterion and changes in cognitive and behavioral measures were assessed with multiple logistic regression models.Results.After 6 months of intervention, 78% of Lifestyle participants and 85% of Structured participants were meeting or exceeding the CDC/ACSM recommendation of accumulating 30 min or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. This was verified by a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness in both groups. The adjusted mean increase in maximal METs (VO_2peak÷ 3.5 ml · kg⁻¹· min⁻¹) between treadmill tests was 0.4 kcal · kg⁻¹· hr⁻¹(P< 0.001) for Lifestyle and 1.1 kcal · kg⁻¹· hr⁻¹(P< 0.001) for Structured. There was a significant difference between intervention groups for this outcome. Both groups had significant reductions in total cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, diastolic blood pressure, and percentage of body fat. There were no significant between-group differences in changes in these outcomes. Adjusted mean changes in total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and percentage of body fat in Lifestyle [in Structured] participants were −0.2 [−0.3] mmol · L⁻¹, −3.2[−1.8] mm Hg, and −1.4 [−1.7] %, respectively. There were significant associations between achieving the CDC/ACSM physical activity criterion and greater use of the cognitive and behavioral strategies of change. Both groups changed self-efficacy and many of the behavioral measures, but there were no significant differences between intervention groups.Conclusions.These results demonstrate that lifestyle physical activity counseling is as effective as structured exercise programs in increasing physical activity and improving CVD risk factors after 6 months among initially sedentary men and women. Furthermore, specific cognitive and behavioral counseling strategies were increased significantly as a result of the intervention. These strategies are effective and could be used in a wide variety of settings.     

Perioperative tight glucose control with hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic clamp technique in cardiac surgery

ObjectivePrevious attempts to achieve tight glucose control in surgical patients were associated with a significant incidence of hypoglycemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative glucose and insulin administration while maintaining normoglycemia using a hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic clamp technique.MethodsWe studied 70 non-diabetic and 40 diabetic patients undergoing cardiac procedures. Before induction of anesthesia, insulin was administered at 5 mU · kg^?1 · min^?1. Blood glucose (BG) concentrations were determined every 15–30 min. Dextrose 20% was infused at a rate adjusted to maintain BG within 3.5–6.1 mmol/L. At the end of surgery, insulin infusion was decreased to 1 mU · kg^?1 · min^?1 and continued for 24 h. The mean ± standard deviation of BG and the percentage of BG values within the target range were calculated perioperatively. Episodes of severe hypoglycemia, i.e., BG <2.2 mmol/L, were recorded.ResultsThe mean BG remained within target at all times. Normoglycemia in non-diabetic patients was achieved in 92.8% of measurements during and in 83.2% after surgery. In diabetic patients 87.4% of values were within target intraoperatively and 76.7% after surgery. The rate of severe hypoglycemia was 2.7% (three patients). In non-diabetic patients the incidence of severe hypoglycemia was 0.2% of measurements during and 0.1% after surgery. Diabetic patients showed only one episode of severe hypoglycemia after surgery (0.1%).ConclusionPerioperative use of a hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic clamp technique established and maintained normoglycemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with little risk of hypoglycemia.     

Taurine alters respiratory gas exchange and nutrient metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of taurine supplementation on respiratory gas exchange, which might reflect the improved metabolism of glucose and/or lipid in the type 2 diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Male OLETF rats (16 weeks of age) were randomly divided into two groups: unsupplemented group and taurine-supplemented (3% in drinking water) group. After 9 weeks of treatment, indirect calorimetry and insulin tolerance tests were conducted. The amounts of visceral fat pads, tissue glycogen, the blood concentrations of glucose, triacylglycerol, taurine, and electrolytes, and the level of hematocrit were compared between groups. A nondiabetic rat strain (Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka) was used as the age-matched normal control. RESULTS: The indirect calorimetry showed that the treatment of OLETF rats with taurine could reduce a part of postprandial glucose oxidation possibly responsible for the increase of triacylglycerol synthesis in the body. Taurine supplementation also improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and increased muscle glycogen content in the OLETF rats. Supplementation with taurine increased the blood concentration of taurine and electrolyte and fluid volume, all of which were considered to be related to the improvement of metabolic disturbance in OLETF rats. DISCUSSION: Taurine supplementation may be an effective treatment for glucose intolerance and fat/lipid accumulation observed in type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. These metabolic changes might be ascribed, in part, to the alteration of circulating blood profiles, where the improved hyperglycemia and/or the blood accumulation of taurine itself would play roles.     

Low-dose creatine supplementation enhances fatigue resistance in the absence of weight gain

Objective

We examined the effects of 6 wk of low-dose creatine supplementation on body composition, muscle function, and body creatine retention.

Methods

Twenty healthy men and women (21 ± 2 y old) were randomized to receive creatine (0.03 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹; n = 10, 4 women) or placebo (n = 10, 4 women) for 6 wk in a double-blind placebo-controlled fashion. Participants were tested on two occasions before supplementation to establish a reliable baseline, and then were retested after supplementation. Testing included body composition, maximal strength (three-repetition maximal concentric knee extension at 180 degrees/s), muscle fatigue (five sets of 30 concentric knee extensions at 180 degrees/s), and plasma creatine concentration.

Results

There were no significant differences in body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, total body water, or maximal strength in either group from before to after supplementation (all P > 0.05). After supplementation, plasma creatine increased significantly in the creatine group (+182%, P = 0.03), with no difference in the placebo group. Compared with baseline values, creatine-supplemented volunteers were more resistant to fatigue during sets 2 (7%), 3 (9%), 4 (9%), and 5 (11%) (all P < 0.05). In placebo-supplemented participants, there was no improvement in fatigue resistance during sets 2 (0%), 3 (1%), 4 (0%), and 5 (−1%) (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Ingesting a low dose (≈2.3 g/d) of creatine for 6 wk significantly increased plasma creatine concentration and enhanced resistance to fatigue during repeated bouts of high-intensity contractions.     

A high protein low fat meal does not influence glucose and insulin responses in obese individuals with or without type 2 diabetes

Background: When substituted for carbohydrate in a meal, dietary protein enhances glycaemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM2). It is unknown whether the effect is a result of increased protein or reduced carbohydrate. The present study aimed to compare the effects of two meals differing in protein to fat ratios on post‐prandial glucose and insulin responses. Methods: This was a crossover, blind study in which obese subjects with (n = 23) and without (n = 26) DM2 consumed two meals in random order with equal amounts of energy (3.1 MJ, 741 kcal), fibre and carbohydrates and a 1‐week washout period. Meals were a high protein, low fat (30% protein, 51% carbohydrates, 19% fat) meal and a low protein, high fat (15% protein, 51% carbohydrates, 34% fat) meal. Subjects were matched for age and body mass index. Plasma glucose and insulin were measured at fasting, 30, 60, 90, 120 min post‐prandially. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were assessed. Results: There was no significant meal effect on glucose and insulin responses within groups. Glucose response was higher in diabetic (120 min 11 ± 0.7 mmol L⁻¹) compared to nondiabetic (120 min 5 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) subjects. Diabetic subjects had significantly higher insulin resistance (P < 0.001) and lower insulin sensitivity (P < 0.001) than nondiabetics. Although peak insulin levels, 60 min post‐prandially, did not differ between groups (81 ± 9 pmol L⁻¹ for diabetic versus 79 ± 7 pmol L⁻¹ for nondiabetic subjects), they were achieved much later, 90 min post‐prandially, in diabetic, (99 ± 8 pmol L⁻¹) compared to nondiabetic (63 ± 7 pmol L⁻¹, P = 0.002) subjects. Conclusions: Manipulating protein to fat ratio in meals does not affect post‐prandial plasma blood glucose or insulin responses in obese people with and without DM2.     

Regional,but not total,body composition changes in overweight and obese adults consuming a higher protein,energy-restricted diet are sex specific

Secondary analyses of data from 2 studies were used to assess the effects of protein intake and sex on diet-induced changes in body composition. The primary hypothesis was that the changes of body composition via energy restriction (ie, lean body mass [LBM], fat mass [FM], and bone) would be sex and diet specific. For 12 weeks, 43 male (study 1) and 45 female (study 2) overweight and obese adults consumed an energy-deficit diet (750 kcal/d less than energy needs) containing either 0.8 (normal protein [NP], 21 men and 23 women) or 1.4 g protein?kg⁻¹?d⁻¹ (high protein [HP], 22 men and 22 women). Body composition measurements were performed at preintervention and postintervention. Over time, all research participants lost weight, LBM, and FM. Independent of protein intake, the men lost more LBM in the trunk (−0.9 vs −0.5 kg) and less in the legs (−1.5 vs −1.1 kg) compared with the women (P < .05). Independent of sex, the HP group lost less LBM in the trunk and legs than the NP group. These sex and protein intake responses resulted in the NP men losing the most LBM in the legs and the NP women losing the most LBM in the trunk. Over time, men lost more FM (−5.0 vs −3.9 kg) from the trunk and less from legs (−1.7 vs −2.1 kg) than women (P < .05), which resulted in a greater decrease of the android-to-gynoid fat ratio for the men. Protein intake did not influence these sex-specific responses or have any independent effects on changes in FM. In addition, protein intake did not influence bone mineral density responses over time; bone mineral density was reduced in women, but not in men. These findings indicate that higher protein intake during weight loss promotes the retention of LBM in both the trunk and legs despite the sex-specific changes in these body regions.     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities during fruit ripening of watermelon cultivars

Changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of three commercial selections (Crimson sweet, Dumara and Giza) and two new selections (P503 and P403) of watermelon cultivars were investigated at four different fruit ripening stages (white, white-pink, pink and red-ripe). Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities (LAA and HAA, respectively) were determined, and their correlations with total vitamin C, phenol, flavonoid, lycopene and β-carotene contents were studied. Ripening stage significantly influenced lycopene and β-carotene contents, as well as the LAA of all investigated watermelon cultivars. Good correlations between LAA and lycopene and β-carotene contents were found using the TEAC assay. At the red-ripe stage of ripeness, P503 cultivar showed the highest amount of lycopene (64.5 mg kg⁻¹ fw), whereas Dumara cultivar showed the highest level of β-carotene (2.1 mg kg⁻¹ fw). Giza cultivar scored first for total phenol (260.1 mg GAE kg⁻¹ fw), flavonoid (260.0 mg RE kg⁻¹ fw) and total vitamin C (204.0 mg kg⁻¹ fw) contents. Although, the HAA of the studied watermelon cultivars was significantly influenced by the ripening stages, it only correlated to the amount of total phenols and flavonoids. These data confirm the important role played by genetic background and ripening stage in determining antioxidant potential of watermelon fruits. They also give valuable insights into the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive compounds in such fruits, and furthermore move us closer to identifying the harvesting period with the highest antioxidant potential.     

Responses of Cynara cardunculus L. to single and combined cadmium and nickel treatment conditions

A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out to study the responses of Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon) to cadmium and nickel. Three groups of 12 pots each were planted with cardoon plants and spiked with single and combined cadmium and nickel aqueous solutions. The bioavailable metal concentrations, measured in soil, ranged widely and were up to 246.7 mg kg⁻¹ for Cd and 61.1 mg kg⁻¹ for Ni. Under Cd treatment, cardoon growth remained unaffected, while increased Ni soil concentrations inhibited plant growth and were lethal to the highly treated plants. In the combined Cd and Ni treatments, an antagonistic effect was observed between the two metals. Cadmium and nickel concentrations in cardoon tissues rose with increasing metal concentrations in the soil. Cadmium and nickel contents in shoots reached 169.3 and 342.3 mg kg⁻¹ in the single treatments while, under the combined Cd and Ni treatments, they were up to 235.0 and 440.7 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Generally, mean contents of both metals in the shoots were higher than in the roots and the translocation factor was greater than 1. A possible enhancing effect of nickel on cadmium uptake was observed. Cardoon showed characteristics of a Cd accumulator.     

Antioxidants and other chemical and physical characteristics of two strawberry cultivars at different ripeness stages

The present work evaluated the quality and antioxidant characteristics of ‘Osogrande’ and ‘Camino Real’ strawberries at different ripeness stages. Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were harvested, selected, graded according to ripeness (green, pink or 3/4 ripe and ripe) and evaluated for pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, sugar/acid ratio, vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, total ellagic acid, total and individual anthocyanins and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The highest total soluble solid content was found for pink (7.5° Brix) and ripe (7.9° Brix) ‘Osogrande’ strawberries. At pink stage, this cultivar showed higher amounts of total phenolics (2909.48 mg kg⁻¹ FW) and total ellagic acid (454.16 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Pink ‘Camino Real’ strawberries presented the highest content of vitamin C (528.55 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Antioxidant activity was higher for ‘Osogrande’ cultivar, at green stage, according to DPPH (11.91 μmol BHT g⁻¹ FW) and FRAP (36.75 μmol ferrous sulphate  g⁻¹ FW) assays and at ripe stage, only for DPPH assay (12.83 μmol BHT g⁻¹ FW). Anthocyanins increased along ripening, with more elevated concentrations in ripe ‘Camino Real’ strawberries (292.9 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Cyanindin-3-glucoside showed a higher concentration for the same treatment (17.23 mg kg⁻¹ FW), which might contribute to a more redish color. Although ripe berries have a better flavor and are more appreciated, higher antioxidant contents and activities were observed at pink stage in which higher amounts of total phenolics, total ellagic acid and vitamin C were noticed for both cultivars.     

A maternal diet rich in fish oil may improve cardiac Akt-related signaling in the offspring of diabetic mother rats

ObjectiveNewborns of diabetic mothers have abnormal circulatory organs, so in this study, we explore insulin signaling in the newborn rat heart.MethodsPregnant rats were divided into streptozotocin-induced diabetic groups (DM) and control groups (CM). Rats were fed lard (21% fat), fish oil (21% fat), or a control diet (7% fat). To examine changes in insulin signaling in the hearts of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) in relation to diet, we isolated the hearts from the IDM and control infants and determined the phosphorylation levels of Akt308, Akt473, p38, c-jun-NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and the expression levels of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kainase1 (PDK1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).ResultsThe mean blood glucose levels in the DM group and their infants were significantly higher than those in the CM group (P < 0.05) and their infants (P < 0.05), but the mean blood glucose levels of all infants was normal on postnatal d 4. Phosphorylation levels of Akt ^{Thr 308} (P < 0.05) and Akt ^{Ser 473} and the expression levels of PDK1 and mTOR were lower in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) than in control infants. The phosphorylation level of Akt ^{Ser 473} and the expression level of mTOR increased in IDM fed the fish oil diet compared with those fed the lard diet (P < 0.05).ConclusionA maternal diet rich in fish oil improves cardiac Akt-related signaling in the offspring of diabetic rats.     

High-protein diet promotes a moderate postpartum weight loss in a prospective cohort of Brazilian women

ObjectiveWhether a high-protein (HP) diet promotes body weight loss (BWL) when compared with a low-protein (LP) diet is still unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of an HP diet on BWL during postpartum.MethodsA food-frequency questionnaire with 81 items was applied at 6 mo after delivery to evaluate the diet of 430 postpartum women aged 18–45 y. Body weight was measured approximately at 0.5, 2, 6, and 9 mo after delivery. Body weight loss was modeled by comparing an HP diet (≥1.2 g · kg^?1 · d^?1) with an LP diet (<1.2 g · kg^?1 · d^?1) using mixed-effects linear regression models adjusted for energy intake, percentage of body fat at baseline, stature, age, race, smoking, and schooling.ResultsUsual energy intake was higher in the HP than in the LP diet group (2623 versus 1791 kcal, P < 0.0001). Daily mean protein intakes were 1.54 ± 0.32 g · kg^?1 · d^?1 for the HP group and 0.83 ± 0.20 g · kg^?1 · d^?1 for the LP group. A multivariate model showed that women in the HP group lost 316 ± 0.062 g of body weight more per month (P < 0.01) when compared with the LP group.ConclusionA reported higher protein intake may improve moderate postpartum body weight loss. Further studies should evaluate the long-term consequences of an HP diet postpartum.     

The combination of α-lipoic acid supplementation and aerobic exercise inhibits lipid peroxidation in rat skeletal muscles

We investigated the effect of dl-α-lipoic acid (LA) supplementation and regular aerobic exercise on the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the levels of glutathione (GSH) in rat skeletal muscles (soleus and red gastrocnemius). For 8 weeks, rats (n = 7 per group) were (1) exercised on a treadmill for 30 min d⁻¹, (2) treated with supplemental LA, or (3) exercised and treated with supplemental LA. Control rats (n = 7) did not receive LA and were not exercised. dl-α-Lipoic acid (100 mg kg⁻¹) was administered daily as an oral supplement. The rats were exercised in a graded manner for 5 d wk⁻¹. The concentration of MDA in the soleus and red gastrocnemius was significantly lower in rats that exercised and received LA than in the other groups. Compared with the other groups, rats that exercised and received LA had a significantly higher vitamin E concentration in the soleus. The SOD and GPx activities in the soleus and red gastrocnemius were significantly higher in rats that exercised and received LA. These results suggest that LA supplementation combined with aerobic treadmill exercise inhibits lipid peroxidation in skeletal muscles. This effect was especially remarkable in the soleus, which is particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, as revealed by the increased vitamin E level and SOD and GPx activities.     

Association between increased visceral fat area and alterations in plasma fatty acid profile in overweight subjects: a cross-sectional study

Background

Visceral fat accumulation in overweight status has been resulted in changes of fatty acid profiles. The fatty acids profiles can be altered by fatty acid desaturase; the activity of which is highly associated with obesity and other metabolic diseases. We hypothesized that fatty acid composition, desaturase activity, and accumulation of visceral fat are interrelated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between increased visceral fat area and alterations in plasma fatty acid profile in overweight subjects with different amounts of visceral fat.

Methods

Healthy overweight subjects (25.0 kg/m² ≤?BMI?<?30 kg/m², n=232) were classified into lower (T1), middle (T2), and upper tertiles (T3) according to L4 visceral fat area (T1: <71.8 cm², T2: 71.8 cm²–99.6 cm², T3: >99.6 cm²).

Results

The T3 group showed higher amounts of cis-10-heptadecenoic acid and activity of C16 Δ9-desaturase and C18 Δ9-desaturase and lower activity of Δ5-desaturase than the T1 group. Additionally, the T3 group showed higher amounts of saturated fatty acids, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, n-3 PUFAs, and docosapentaenoic acid than the T1 and T2 groups.

Conclusions

This study indicates that greater than a certain area (>99.6 cm²) of visceral fat is needed to observe altered levels of individual fatty acid species and desaturase activities. The results suggest that increased activity of C16 Δ9-desaturase and C18 Δ9-desaturase in parallel with decreased Δ5-desaturase activity may be a causative factor in disturbed fatty acid metabolism.

     

Dietary sulfur amino acid effects on fasting plasma cysteine/cystine redox potential in humans

Objective

Oxidation of plasma cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) redox potential (E_hCySS) has been associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease in humans. Cys and CySS are derived from dietary sulfur amino acids (SAA), but the specific effects of SAA depletion and repletion on Cys/CySS redox indices are unknown. The present study examined the effect of dietary SAA intake level on free Cys, free CySS, and E_hCySS in human plasma under fasting conditions.

Methods

Healthy individuals aged 18-36 y (n = 13) were equilibrated to foods providing the RDA for SAA and then fed chemically defined diets without SAA (0 mg·kg^-1·d^-1; n = 13) followed by SAA at levels approximating the mean (56 mg·kg^-1·d^-1; n = 8) or 99th percentile (117 mg·kg^-1·d^-1; n = 5) intake levels of Americans. Fasting plasma samples were collected daily during 4-d study periods and analyzed for free Cys, free CySS, and the E_hCySS.

Results

The SAA-free diet significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma-free Cys concentrations and oxidized E_hCySS values after 4 d of SAA depletion. With SAA repletion at 56 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, plasma-free Cys increased significantly and values for E_hCySS became more reduced. Administration of a diet providing a higher dose of SAA (117 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) resulted in a significantly higher level of free Cys and a more reduced E_hCySS.

Conclusions

These results show that free Cys and Cys/CySS redox potential (E_hCySS) in fasting plasma are affected by dietary SAA intake level in humans. Significant changes occur slowly over 4 d with insufficient SAA intake, but rapidly (after 1 d) with repletion.