Prepubertal Dietary and Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids Related to Puberty Timing: Longitudinal Cohort and Mendelian Randomization Analyses

Dietary intakes of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids (FAs) have been inconsistently associated with puberty timing. We examined longitudinal associations of prepubertal dietary and plasma phospholipid FAs with several puberty timing traits in boys and girls. In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, prepubertal fat intakes at 3–7.5 years and plasma phospholipid FAs at 7.5 years were measured. Timings of Tanner stage 2 genital or breast development and voice breaking or menarche from repeated reports at 8–17 years, and age at peak height velocity (PHV) from repeated height measurements at 5–20 years were estimated. In linear regression models with adjustment for maternal and infant characteristics, dietary substitution of polyunsaturated FAs for saturated FAs, and higher concentrations of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n6) and palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) were associated with earlier timing of puberty traits in girls (n = 3872) but not boys (n = 3654). In Mendelian Randomization models, higher genetically predicted circulating dihomo-γ-linolenic acid was associated with earlier menarche in girls. Based on repeated dietary intake data, objectively measured FAs and genetic causal inference, these findings suggest that dietary and endogenous metabolic pathways that increase plasma dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, an intermediate metabolite of n-6 polyunsaturated FAs, may promote earlier puberty timing in girls.     

Dietary Fat and Protein Intake Are Not Associated With Incident Biliary Sludge and Stones During Pregnancy

Background: Dietary composition can cause insulin resistance, elevated serum lipid levels, and obesity, all of which predispose to gallstone formation. The effects of dietary fat (including individual fatty acids) and protein on gallstone formation are controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary fat and protein intake on incident gallstone disease during pregnancy, a high‐risk time for stone formation. Methods: We prospectively studied 3070 pregnant women who underwent serial gallbladder ultrasound examinations during pregnancy and at 4–6 weeks postpartum. All women had at least 2 study ultrasounds for comparison. A semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire was completed by subjects in the early third trimester. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of incident gallbladder disease across quartiles of intake of total fat, individual fatty acids (polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated, and total trans‐fatty acids, as well as cholesterol), protein, and protein subtype (animal or vegetable based). Results: The cumulative incidence of new biliary sludge/stones or progression of baseline sludge to stones was 10.2% by 4–6 weeks postpartum. There was no association between total dietary fat (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–2.18 comparing lowest and highest quartiles) or protein intake (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.44–1.22 comparing lowest and highest quartiles) and incident gallbladder disease. There was also no association between individual fatty acids or protein subtype and gallbladder disease. Conclusions: Neither total nor subtype of dietary fat or protein was associated with incident biliary stone or sludge formation in this cohort of pregnant women.     

Effects of Dietary Fatty Acid Composition on Lipid Metabolism and Body Fat Accumulation in Ovariectomized Rats

Background: Obesity is a state of excess energy storage resulting in body fat accumulation, and postmenopausal obesity is a rising issue. In this study using ovariectomized (OVX) rats, we mimicked low estrogen levels in a postmenopausal state in order to investigate the effects of different amounts and types of dietary fatty acids on body fat accumulation and body lipid metabolism. Methods: At 9 weeks of age, rats (n = 40) were given an ovariectomy, eight of which were sham-operated to serve as a control group (S). We then divided OVX rats into four different intervention groups: diet with 5% soybean oil (C), and diet with 5% (L), 15% (M), and 20% (H) (w/w) experimental oil, containing 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and with a polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio of 5. Results: After OVX, compared to the S group, the C group showed significantly higher body weight, and insulin and leptin levels. Compared to the C group, the H group had lower hepatic triglyceride level and FAS enzyme activity, and higher hepatic ACO and CPT-1 gene expressions and enzyme activities. Conclusions: An OVX leads to severe weight gain and lipid metabolism abnormalities, while according to previous studies, high fat diet may worsen the situation. However, during our experiment, we discovered that the experimental oil mixture with 60% MUFAs and P/S = 5 may ameliorate these imbalances.     

Perinatal Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status and Obesity Risk

High obesity rates in almost all regions of the world prompt an urgent need for effective obesity prevention. Very good scientific evidence from cell culture and rodent studies show that the availability of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their long-chain polyunsaturated derivatives, namely, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, influence adipogenesis; for this reason, early life status may influence later obesity risk. The respective PUFA effects could be mediated via their eicosanoid derivatives, their influence on cell membrane properties, the browning of white adipose tissue, changes to the offspring gut microbiome, their influence on developing regulatory circuits, and gene expression during critical periods. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies show divergent findings in humans, with mostly null findings but also the positive and negative effects of an increased n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratio on BMI and fat mass development. Hence, animal study findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Even though the mechanistic data basis for the effects of n-3 PUFA on obesity risk appears promising, no recommendations for humans can be derived at present.     

Cytochrome P450 Metabolism of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Neurodegeneration

Due to the aging population in the world, neurodegenerative diseases have become a serious public health issue that greatly impacts patients’ quality of life and adds a huge economic burden. Even after decades of research, there is no effective curative treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have become an emerging dietary medical intervention for health maintenance and treatment of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research demonstrated that the oxidized metabolites, particularly the cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolites, of PUFAs are beneficial to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease; however, their mechanism(s) remains unclear. The endogenous levels of CYP metabolites are greatly affected by our diet, endogenous synthesis, and the downstream metabolism. While the activity of omega-3 (ω-3) CYP PUFA metabolites and omega-6 (ω-6) CYP PUFA metabolites largely overlap, the ω-3 CYP PUFA metabolites are more active in general. In this review, we will briefly summarize recent findings regarding the biosynthesis and metabolism of CYP PUFA metabolites. We will also discuss the potential mechanism(s) of CYP PUFA metabolites in neurodegeneration, which will ultimately improve our understanding of how PUFAs affect neurodegeneration and may identify potential drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases.     

Association of Dietary Intakes and Genetically Determined Serum Concentrations of Mono and Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids on Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights from Dietary Analysis and Mendelian Randomization

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake is generally associated with better renal function, while the association of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) remains unconfirmed. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to obtain unconfounded estimates of the causal association of dietary intake and genetically determined serum PUFA and MUFA levels with measures of renal function. Data from participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2005 to 2010 were used. Data from the largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on MUFAs, PUFAs, eGFR, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were analysed for the entire sample. A total of 16,025 participants were included. eGFR improved across increasing quartiles of total PUFA intake from 86.3 ± 0.5 (Q1) to 96.2 ± 0.5 mL/min/1.73 m² (Q4), (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was no association between MUFA intake and measures of renal function (all p > 0.21). In multivariable models, the top quartile of PUFA intake had a 21% lower risk for CKD, but there was no significant association between CKD risk and MUFA intake. Genetically determined serum MUFA (heptadecenoate (17:1), myristoleic acid (14:1), and palmitoleic acid (16:1)) and PUFA (α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) concentrations had no significant association with eGFR and CKD risk. Additionally, no association was found in the analyses stratified by diabetes status. Higher dietary PUFA intake is associated with lower risk of CKD, while there was no association with serum levels of MUFAs or PUFAs. Additional studies including clinical trials are warranted.     

Dietary Patterns of Infants and Toddlers Are Associated with Nutrient Intakes

Dietary patterns are a useful summary measure of diet. Few studies have examined the nutrient profiles underpinning the dietary patterns of young children. The study aim is to determine whether dietary patterns at 6 and 15 months of age are associated with nutrient intakes at 8 and 18 months, respectively. Participants were children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children who had complete dietary pattern and nutrient intake data (n = 725 at 6–8 months, n = 535 at 15–18 months). The association between tertiles of dietary pattern scores and nutrient intake was examined using a non-parametric test for trend. Scores on the home-made traditional pattern (6–8 months) were positively associated with median energy intake. Each dietary pattern had different associations with energy-adjusted intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients. At both times, the discretionary pattern was positively and the ready-prepared baby foods pattern was negatively associated with sodium intake. At 6–8 months, calcium and iron intakes decreased across scores on the home-made traditional and breastfeeding patterns, but increased across the ready-prepared baby food patterns. These findings highlight that dietary patterns in infants and toddlers vary in their underlying energy and nutrient composition.     

Dietary Fats and Cardio-Metabolic Outcomes in a Cohort of Italian Adults

Background: Dietary fats, and especially saturated fatty acid (SFA), have been blamed for being the culprit in the dramatic increase in obesity and its associated diseases. However multiple systematic reviews and recent meta-analyses do not support the association between SFA and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the objective of this study was to test whether specific types and subtypes of dietary fats are associated with metabolic outcomes in a cohort of Italian adults. Methods: Nutritional and demographic data of 1936 adults living in the south of Italy were examined. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were administered to assess the intake of total dietary fat and each specific class of dietary fat, such as SFA, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The intake of fatty acids was also examined according to the carbon-chain length of each individual class. Cases of hypertension, type-2 diabetes and dyslipidemias were collected from previous doctor-confirmed diagnosis records (or direct measurement of blood pressure). Results: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, individuals reporting higher intakes of total and saturated fats were associated with lower likelihood of having hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.91 and OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.89, respectively). Moreover, higher intake of short-chain saturated fatty acids (SCSFAs) and medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCSFAs) was inversely associated with dyslipidemia and diabetes (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.82 and OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.72, respectively). Among MUFAs, C18:1 was inversely associated with hypertension and diabetes (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.92 and OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.67, respectively), while C14:1 intake was inversely associated only with hypertension (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.88). In contrast, C20:1 intake was associated with dyslipidemia (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 1.33, 8.42). Regarding PUFA, C18:2 and 20:5 were inversely associated with hypertension (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.60 and OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.89, respectively). Conclusions: The consumption of SFA does not seem to be harmful to cardio-metabolic health and, on the contrary, SCSFA may exert beneficial effects. Further studies are needed to clearly validate the results of the present study.     

Investigation of Maternal Diet and FADS1 Polymorphism Associated with Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Compositions in Human Milk

Increasing the amount of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in human milk is an important strategy for infant growth and development. We investigated the associations of LCPUFA compositions in human milk with maternal diet (especially fish and shellfish intake), with fatty acid Δ5 desaturase gene (FADS1) polymorphisms, and with gene-diet interactions. The present study was performed as part of an adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. The participants were 304 lactating females, who provided human milk 6–7 months after delivery. Fatty acids in human milk were analyzed by gas chromatography, and dietary surveys were conducted using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. We also analyzed a single nucleotide polymorphism of FADS1 (rs174547, T/C). There was a significant difference in arachidonic acid (ARA) composition in human milk among the genotype groups, and the values were decreasing in the order of TT > TC > CC. The concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were also different between TT and CC genotype, indicating a tendency for decreasing values in the same order. The composition of ARA showed significant gene–dietary interactions in multiple regression analysis, and the positive correlation between fish and shellfish intake and ARA composition in human milk was significant only in the CC genotype. Moreover, the factor most strongly associated with EPA and DHA composition in human milk was fish and shellfish intake. Therefore, it was suggested that increasing fish and shellfish intake in mothers may increase EPA and DHA composition in human milk, while increasing fish and shellfish intake in CC genotype mothers may lead to increased ARA composition in human milk.     

Gender Differences in Plasma Lipid Response to Dietary Fat

The relationship between type of dietary fat, cardiovascular disease risk, and lipid/lipoprotein profiles has been studied since the early 1900s. For the most part, observational data from international comparisons, migration studies, and prospective studies have identified a positive relationship between saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, although in the latter case these observations were attenuated and in some cases became non-significant after adjusting for other dietary factors. Data from large-scale primary and secondary intervention studies support a positive relationship between CHD and SFA. The majority of data available were derived from male subjects, and if female subjects were included, few studies assessed the effect of gender on responsiveness. Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that females respond differently to diet with respect to CHD progression. This review discusses controlled clinical intervention studies that included data for both genders and their responses to dietary fat perturbations and lipoprotein profiles. The scope was limited for the most part to reports that included identifiers in the title or abstract that indicated data for female and male subjects were reported separately, although a statistical comparison between the genders may not have been reported. Overall, whether the studies assessed the effect of the ratio of SFA to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), SFA to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), MUFA to PUFA, individual SFA, or SFA to trans fatty acids, female and male subjects responded similarly, and when differences were identified there was no consistent pattern.     

Beyond Saturated Fat: The Importance of the Dietary Fatty Acid Profile on Cardiovascular Disease

Saturated fat reduction is a primary goal for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In a recent epidemiologic study, a low-fat diet high in saturated fat (10.6%-16.0% energy) was associated with less progression of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas carbohydrate intake (67% energy) was associated with a greater degree of progression in postmenopausal women.     

Effect of Dietary Fatty Acids on MicroRNA Expression Related to Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation in Human and Animal Trials

Dietary fatty acids (DFAs) play key roles in different metabolic processes in humans and other mammals. DFAs have been considered beneficial for health, particularly polyunsaturated (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) exert their function on DFA metabolism by modulating gene expression, and have drawn great attention for their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review explicitly examined the effects of DFAs on miRNA expression associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as inflammation, published in the last ten years. DFAs have been shown to induce and repress miRNA expression associated with metabolic disease and inflammation in different cell types and organisms, both in vivo and in vitro, depending on varying combinations of DFAs, doses, and the duration of treatment. However, studies are limited and heterogeneous in methodology. Additionally, recent studies demonstrated that high fat ketogenic diets, many enriched with saturated fats, do not increase serum saturated fat content in humans, and are not associated with increased inflammation. Thus, these findings shed light on the complexity of novel treatment and DFA interventions for metabolic disease and to maintain health. Further studies are needed to advance molecular therapeutic approaches, including miRNA-based strategies in human health and disease.     

Composition of Dietary Fatty Acids and Health Risks in Japanese Youths

In the overall composition of dietary fatty acids (FAs), the quantity of each FA is interrelated with that of others. We examined the associations between dietary FA composition and cardiometabolic risk in Japanese youths. Risk factors (anthropometric characteristics, serum lipid and liver enzyme levels, and blood pressure) were measured in 5485 junior-high-school students. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The mean saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), and omega-3 PUFAs intake were 9.6%E, 10.3%E, 6.3%E, and 1.1%E, respectively. In compositional regression analysis controlled for confounders, a high intake of omega-6 PUFAs relative to others was associated with low low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C; p = 0.003), and relative SFA intake was associated with high levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.019). Relative omega-3 PUFAs intake was associated with low blood pressure (p = 0.005–0.034) but had unfavorable effects on adiposity and alanine transaminase. Substitutional models showed similar results for omega-6 PUFAs on LDL-C, but MUFA had inconsistent effects on risk factors. The results from the compositional data analysis were consistent with previous studies and clinical practice/knowledge. Focusing on increasing omega-6 PUFAs in Japanese youths could have favorable consequences in the long term.     

Sources of Protein and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of the Diet and Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Albuminuria excretion rate above the reference range and below albustix positive proteinuria (20–199 μg/min) is known as microalbuminuria and has been associated with an increased risk of death and progression to renal failure. Besides hyperglicemia and high blood pressure levels, dietary factors can also influence albuminuria.

Objective: To evaluate possible associations of dietary components (macronutrients and selected foods) with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 119 normoalbuminuric [NORMO; 24-h urinary albumin excretion (UAE) < 20 μg/min; immunoturbidimetry] and 62 microalbuminuric (MICRO; UAE 20–199 μg/min) type 2 diabetic patients, attending the Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (Brazil), without previous dietary counseling, underwent 3-day weighed-diet records, and clinical and laboratory evaluation.

Results: MICRO patients consumed more protein (20.5 ± 4.4 vs. 19.0 ± 3.5% of total energy; p = 0.01) with a higher intake from animal sources (14.5 ± 4.7 vs. 12.9 ± 3.8% of total energy; p = 0.015) than NORMO patients. The intakes of PUFAs (8.6 ± 2.9 vs. 9.7 ± 3.3% of total energy; p < 0.03), PUFAs from vegetable sources (7.3 ± 3.4 vs. 8.6 ± 3.7% of total energy; p = 0.029), plant oils [0.2 (0.1–0.6) vs. 0.3 (0.1–0.9) mg/kg weight; p = 0.02] and margarines [3.3 (0–75.7) vs. 7.0 (0–51.7) g/day; p = 0.01] were lower in MICRO than in NORMO. In multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, presence of hypertension and fasting plasma glucose, intake of total protein (% of total energy; OR 1.104; 95% CI 1.008–1.208; p = 0.032) was positively associated with microalbuminuria. The intakes of total PUFAs (% of total energy; OR 0.855; 95%CI 0.762–0.961; p = 0.008), PUFAs from vegetable sources (% of total energy; OR 0.874; 95%CI 0.787–0.971; p = 0.012) and plant oils (mg/kg weight; OR 0.036; 95% CI 0.003–0.522; p = 0.015) were negatively associated with microalbuminuria.

Conclusions: In type 2 diabetic patients, the high intake of protein and the low intake of PUFAs, particularly from plant oils, were associated with the presence of microalbuminuria. Reducing protein intake from animal sources and increasing the intake of lipids from vegetable origin might-reduce the risk of microalbuminuria.     

Effects of Dietary Fat and Saturated Fat Content on Liver Fat and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Overweight/Obese Men and Women under Weight-Stable Conditions

Dietary fat and oxidative stress are hypothesized to contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and progression to steatohepatitis. To determine the effects of dietary fat content on hepatic triglyceride, body fat distribution and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, overweight/obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance consumed a control diet (CONT: 35% fat/12% saturated fat/47% carbohydrate) for ten days, followed by four weeks on a low fat (LFD (n = 10): 20% fat/8% saturated fat/62% carbohydrate) or high fat diet (HFD (n = 10): 55% fat/25% saturated fat/27% carbohydrate). Hepatic triglyceride content was quantified by MRS and abdominal fat distribution by MRI. Fasting biomarkers of inflammation (plasma hsCRP, IL-6, IL-12, TNFα, IFN-γ) and oxidative stress (urinary F2-α isoprostanes) were measured. Body weight remained stable. Compared to the CONT, hepatic triglyceride decreased on the LFD (mean (95% CI): change −2.13% (−3.74%, −0.52%)), but did not change on the HFD and there was no significant difference between the LFD and HFD. Intra-abdominal fat did not change significantly on either diet, but subcutaneous abdominal fat increased on the HFD. There were no significant changes in fasting metabolic markers, inflammatory markers and urinary F2-α isoprostanes. We conclude that in otherwise healthy overweight/obese adults under weight-neutral conditions, a diet low in fat and saturated fat has modest effects to decrease liver fat and may be beneficial. On the other hand, a diet very high in fat and saturated fat had no effect on hepatic triglyceride or markers of metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress.     

Effects of Three-Month Feeding High Fat Diets with Different Fatty Acid Composition on Myocardial Proteome in Mice

Westernized diet is characterized by a high content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a low level of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), often accompanied by an imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio. Since increased intake of SFA and n-6 PUFA is considered as a cardiovascular disease risk factor, this study was conducted to determine whether a three-month dietary supplementation of high-fat diets (HFDs) with saturated fatty acids and a significant proportion of various n-6 and n-3 PUFA ratios would affect the architecture and protein expression patterns of the murine heart. Therefore, three HFD (n = 6) feeding groups: rich in SFA, dominated by PUFA with the n-6/n-3–14:1, and n-6/n-3–5:1, ratios were compared to animals fed standard mouse chow. For this purpose, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis with MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry-based identification of differentially expressed cardiac proteins, and a histological examination of cardiac morphology. The results indicated that mice fed with all HFDs developed signs of hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Animals fed SFA-rich HFD manifested the most severe cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis lesions, whereas less pronounced changes were observed in the group of animals that ingested the highest amount of omega-3 FA. In general, all HFDs, regardless of FA composition, evoked a comparable pattern of cardiac protein changes and affected the following biological processes: lipid metabolism and FA β-oxidation, glycolysis, TCA cycle, respiratory chain, myocardium contractility, oxidative stress and PUFA eicosanoid metabolism. However, it should be noted that three proteins, namely IDH3A, LDHB, and AK1, were affected differently by various FA contents. High expression of these myocardial proteins found in the group of animals fed a HFD with the highest n-3 PUFA content could be closely related to the observed development of hypertrophy.     

Dietary Pattern and Dietary Energy from Fat Associated with Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese People: A Cross-Sectional Study in Three Regions of China

Associations between dietary patterns (DPs) and sarcopenia remain controversial, and fewer studies have mentioned the relationship between dietary energy composition and sarcopenia. The present cross-sectional study was conducted in three regions of China, to detect the associations between DPs and sarcopenia, and to identify the influencing nutrients. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for DP identification. Logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between DPs and sarcopenia. Dietary nutrients and dietary energy composition were calculated and compared among different DPs. Three DPs were identified from 861 community-dwelling older people. The “mushrooms–fruits–milk” pattern was negatively associated with sarcopenia (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14~0.77, p-trend = 0.009). Subjects in the highest quartile of the “mushrooms–fruits–milk” pattern showed more abundant intake (1.7 g/kg/d) of dietary protein, and lower percentage (31%) of energy from fat (PEF) than the other two DPs. Further analyses indicated that lower PEF (<30%) was negatively associated with sarcopenia. In conclusion, the “mushrooms–fruits–milk” pattern was negatively associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Chinese people. This pattern showed abundant protein intake and low PEF, which may partially contribute to its protective effect on sarcopenia. Therefore, besides protein, dietary fat and PEF may also be considered in the prevention and management of sarcopenia.     

Low Levels of Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Are Associated with Bone Metastasis Formation in Premenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study

In the present study, we investigated various biochemical, clinical, and histological factors associated with bone metastases in a large cohort of pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Two hundred and sixty-one consecutive women with breast cancer were included in this study. Breast adipose tissue specimens were collected during surgery. After having established the fatty acid profile of breast adipose tissue by gas chromatography, we determined whether there were differences associated with the occurrence of bone metastases in these patients. Regarding the clinical and histological criteria, a majority of the patients with bone metastases (around 70%) had tumors with a luminal phenotype and 59% of them showed axillary lymph node involvement. Moreover, we found a negative association between the levels of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in breast adipose tissue and the development of bone metastases in premenopausal women. No significant association was observed in postmenopausal women. In addition to a luminal phenotype and axillary lymph node involvement, low levels of n-3 LC-PUFA in breast adipose tissue may constitute a risk factor that contributes to breast cancer bone metastases formation in premenopausal women.     

幼年期多不饱和脂肪酸喂饲对高脂膳食大鼠胰岛素敏感性的影响

目的 研究幼年期多不饱和脂肪酸饲料对高脂膳食大鼠胰岛素敏感性的影响。方法 雄性Wistar大鼠出生后24天断乳，按体重随机分为A、B两组．给予相同能量、不同构成饲料，分别为高碳水化合物供能的基础饲料和高不饱和脂肪酸构成饲料。3周后均转为基础饲料。2周后再按体重将A组分为A1、A2两组．A1组继续基础饲料，A2和B组则转为猪油为主要脂肪来源的高脂膳食，6周后结束实验。分别在不同处理期末每组随机处死8只动物，称重，采血检测血糖和胰岛素水平。结果 幼年期喂饲多不饱和脂肪酸饲料组大鼠体重明显降低；胰岛素和血糖水平显著降低，胰岛素敏感指数明显升高，胰岛素敏感性升高。结论 幼年期给予多不饱和脂肪酸饲料可以显著增加高脂膳食大鼠的胰岛素敏感性。     

Dietary Protein Patterns during Pregnancy Are Associated with Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Pregnant Women

Controversies around the association between dietary protein intake and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) persist. To the best of our knowledge, this association has not previously been reported from the perspective of dietary protein patterns. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary protein patterns and GDM risk in pregnant women, and 1014 pregnant women (20–28 weeks of gestation) were recruited in Guangzhou, China, during 2017–2018. Maternal dietary information was collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire, which covered the most common foods consumed in Guangzhou, China. GDM was identified by a 75g oral glucose tolerance test. A K-means cluster analysis was conducted to aggregate individuals into three groups, which were determined by the major sources of protein. Logistic regression was employed to explore the relationship between dietary protein patterns and the risk of GDM. Among the 1014 participants, 191 (18.84%) were diagnosed with GDM. In the total population, when comparing the highest quartile with the lowest, we found that total protein and animal protein intake increased the risk of GDM with the adjusted odds ratios (95%CI) being 6.27, 5.43 (1.71–23.03, 1.71–17.22), respectively. Pregnant women were further divided into three dietary protein patterns, namely, white meat, plant–dairy–eggs, and red meat protein patterns. Compared to women with the plant–dairy–eggs protein pattern, those with the red meat protein pattern (OR: 1.80; 95%CI: 1.06–3.07) or white meat protein pattern (OR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.04–3.24) had an increased risk of GDM. Higher dietary intakes of total or animal protein during mid-pregnancy were related to an increased risk of GDM. Furthermore, we first found that, compared to women with the plant–dairy–eggs protein pattern, women with the red meat or white meat protein patterns had a higher risk of GDM.