Monosodium glutamate and treadmill exercise: Anxiety-like behavior and spreading depression features in young adult rats

Objectives: The route of administration is an important factor in determining the action of some drugs. We previously demonstrated that subcutaneous monosodium glutamate (MSG) accelerated cortical spreading depression (CSD) in the rat and that treadmill exercise attenuated this effect. This study evaluated whether other routes of administration exert the same action by testing orogastric (gavage) and topical cortical MSG administration in treadmill-exercised and sedentary rats. Additionally, in the orogastric treatment we tested anxiety-like behavior.

Methods: Exercised and sedentary rats received per gavage water or MSG (1 or 2 g/kg) daily from postnatal (P) day 7 to 27. Behavioral tests (open field and elevated plus-maze) occurred at P53?±?3. At P56?±?3, we analyzed CSD parameters (velocity, amplitude, and duration of the negative potential change). Other three groups of rats received an MSG solution (25, 50 or 75?mg/ml) topically to the intact dura mater during CSD recording.

Results: MSG-gavage increased anxiety-like behavior and the CSD velocities compared with water-treated controls (P?<?0.05). Exercise decelerated CSD. In contrast to gavage, which accelerated CSD, topical MSG dose-dependently and reversibly impaired CSD propagation, reduced CSD amplitude and increased CSD duration (P?<?0.05).

Conclusions: The exercise-dependent attenuation of the effects of MSG confirms our previous results in rats treated subcutaneously with MSG. CSD results suggest two distinct mechanisms for gavage and topical MSG administration. Additionally, data suggest that exercise can help protect the developing and adult brain against the deleterious actions of MSG.     

More Frequent Nutrition Counseling Limits Weight Loss and Improves Energy Intake During Oncology Management: A Longitudinal Inpatient Study in Taiwan

Introduction: Malnutrition increases the risk of cancer treatment-related complications. Nutritional intervention is beneficial for the outcomes of outpatients with cancer. This study investigated the impacts of nutrition consultation and care on energy intake and weight change in inpatients receiving cancer treatment.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study, enrolling 3221 inpatients with head and neck, lung, hepatobiliary, upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, breast, or gynecological cancer who received at least two nutrition consultations between April 2010 and July 2015. In every consultation, a dietitian calculated the total energy requirement and the actual energy intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall.

Results: Patients with head and neck cancer lost the most weight (1.16?kg/mo). For every consultation, a 0.03-kg weight gain per month was observed (P?=?0.001). The average energy consumption percentage (% estimated energy requirement) at the third consultation was 87.0%. After controlling for potential covariates, the energy consumption percentages at the third, fourth, fifth–seventh, eighth, and subsequent consultations were significantly higher than those at the first consultation (P?<?0.05).

Conclusion: For oncology inpatients, routine screening and at least three active nutrition consultations with dietitians effectively improved energy intake and preserved body weight.     

Physiological and brain alterations produced by high-fat diet in male and female rats can be modulated by increased levels of estradiol during critical periods of development

Background: Overnutrition due to a high-fat diet (HFD) can increase the vulnerability of the metabolic system to maladjustments. Estradiol has an inhibitory role on food intake and this hormone has demonstrated to be a crucial organizer during brain development.

Objective: Our aim was to determine whether increased levels of estradiol in the early postnatal period modulate the alterations in metabolism and brain metabolic circuits produced by overnutrition.

Methods: Twenty-four male and 24 female Wistar rats were submitted to a HFD (34.9% fat) or a control diet (5% fat) from gestational day 6. From postnatal (P) 6 to P13, both control and HFD groups were administered a s.c. injection of vehicle or estradiol benzoate (0.4?mg/kg), resulting in eight experimental groups (n?=?6 in each group). Body weight, food intake and subcutaneous, visceral, and brown fat pads were measured. Agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, orexin, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and plasma estradiol levels were measured by ELISA.

Results: Males fed a HFD showed an increase in body weight and the amount of visceral and subcutaneous fat, which was coincident with an increase in the number of kilocalories ingested. Neonatal estradiol treatment restored the body weight and subcutaneous fat of HFD males to control levels. Hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels in HFD females were increased with respect to control females. This increase was reverted with estradiol treatment during development.

Discussion: HFD and estradiol treatment have different effects on males and females. Overnutrition affects physiological parameters, such as body weight, visceral, and subcutaneous fat content, in males, while females present alterations in hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels. Hence, the increase in estradiol levels during a period that is critical for the programing of the feeding system can modulate some of the alterations produced by the continuous intake of high-fat content food.     

A maternal high-fat/high-caloric diet delays reflex ontogeny during lactation but enhances locomotor performance during late adolescence in rats

Objective: The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of two maternal high-fat diets with different energy densities on the somatic growth, reflex ontogeny, and locomotor activity of offspring.

Methods: Twenty-nine female Wistar rats (220–250?g) were mated and grouped into three different dietary conditions: control (n?=?11, AIN-93G diet, 3.6?kcal/g), high-fat/high-caloric (HH, n?=?9, 51% of the calories from fat, 4.62?kcal/g), and high-fat/isocaloric (HI, n?=?9, 51% of the calories from fat, 3.64?kcal/g). The fat source was mainly lard. The dietary groups were maintained during gestation and lactation. From postnatal day 1 (PND1) until weaning, the somatic growth, maturation of physical features, and reflex ontogeny of the male pups were evaluated. The locomotor activity was evaluated in an open field at PND8, PND14, PND17, PND21, PND30, PND45, and PND60.

Results: HH dams had a lower food intake but no difference in caloric intake or body weight gain. The HH pups had higher body weights, greater tail and body lengths, and an increased axis of the head at weaning. The prediction of ear unfolding, delayed palmar grasp, and cliff avoidance maturation were also observed in the HH offspring. At PND60, the HH pups showed an increased average speed as well as an average potency and kinetic energy in the open field.

Conclusion: A high-fat/high-caloric maternal diet increases somatic growth, predicts the maturation of physical features, and delays reflex ontogeny during lactation, and it enhances motor performance during late adolescence. A maternal HI diet does not elicit the same influences on offspring development compared with the HH diet.     

Omega-3 fatty acid attenuates oxidative stress in cerebral cortex,cerebellum, and hippocampus tissue and improves neurobehavioral activity in chronic lead-induced neurotoxicity

Objectives: In view of the increasing risk of lead on human health, the present study has been carried out to investigate the neuroprotective effect of omega-3 fatty acid on chronic lead-induced neurotoxicity and behavioral impairment in rats.

Methods: Different neurobehavioral parameters, biochemical assays, and histopathological analyses in brain regions of rats were conducted.

Results: Rats exposed to different doses of lead (lead acetate 2.5, 5.0, 7.5?mg/kg body weight p.o. for 90 days) caused a significant decrease in body weight, brain weight, and behavioral changes as compared to controls. Abnormal histopathological and increased levels of lead in blood and brain regions increased the levels of ROS, LPO, PCC and decreased the levels of GSH with concomitant reduction in SOD, CAT, and GPx activities in the brain region of rats treated with different doses of lead as compared to controls. Co-treatment of lead with omega-3 fatty acid (500?mg/kg body weight p.o. for 90 days) decreased the levels of ROS, LPO, PCC, and increased the level of GSH, also increased SOD, CAT, and GPx activity and showed improvements in behavioral as well as histopathological changes as compared to lead-treated groups.

Discussion: Our results proved that omega-3 fatty acid improved behavioral deficits, altered histopathological and oxidative stress in lead-intoxicated rats. Among three different doses, 2.5?mg/kg b.wt. of lead along with omega-3 fatty acid was the most preventive dose for the neurotoxicity. This work reveals the potential of omega-fatty acid as a protective drug for lead neurotoxicity.     

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Improves Cisplatin-Induced Muscle Atrophy Without Accompanying Body Weight Gain

Introduction: Cisplatin (CDDP) induces loss of muscle mass by activating the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which inhibits NF-κB activation, on CDDP-induced loss of muscle mass in mice.

Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received a single dose of CDDP and olive oil, linseed oil, or EPA daily for 4?days. Body weight and food intake were recorded daily for 5?days. Forelimb grip strength was determined using a strain gauge on the fourth day. The mice were killed 24?h after the final dose of fatty acid and the wet weight of their gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles measured.

Results: Olive oil, linseed oil, and EPA all failed to prevent decrease in food intake and loss of body weight. However, only EPA prevented loss of muscle mass and strength.

Conclusion: EPA prevents CDDP-related loss of muscle mass and muscle but not CDDP-related loss of body weight.     

Nutrition and Cancercapsaicin Treatment Reduces Tumor Growth,Tumor Cell Proliferation Ex Vivo and Partially Reverses Cancer Cachexia in Walker 256 Tumor-Bearing Rats

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-n-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the main pungent component found in hot peppers.

Aim: In this study, we investigated the effect of capsaicin treatment on tumor growth and the metabolic indicators of cachexia in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were inoculated subcutaneously in the right flank with 1?ml of a sterile suspension of 3?×?10⁷ Walker tumor cells. The treated groups received capsaicin intraperitoneal 5?mg/kg body weight for 13?days.

Results: The tumor weight on Day 14 in the non-treated group was 18?g. The rats also had a body weight loss, hypoglycemia, hyperlactacidemia, hypertriacylglycerolemia, and a depletion in glycogen storage. Treatment with capsaicin decreased tumor growth by 49% and a reversal of triacylglycerol serum. We also found a 32% reduction in tumor cell proliferation ex vivo. Lactate serum concentrations and body weight were lower but did not reach control levels.

Conclusion: The treatment with capsaicin reduces tumor growth and cellular proliferation along with increased apoptosis and partial cachexia reversal.     

Association Between Magnesium Status,Dietary Magnesium Intake,and Metabolic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Hypomagnesemia could worsen glycemic control by impairing insulin release and promoting insulin resistance. On the contrary, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may induce and/or exacerbate low serum magnesium levels, and this could, in turn, worsen glycemic control of diabetes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum magnesium level, dietary magnesium intake, and metabolic control parameters in patients with T2DM.

Methods: The study included 119 patients with T2DM (26 male, 93 female; mean age 54.7?±?8.4 years). Serum magnesium level was measured by spectrophotometric method. Magnesium intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken. The General Linear Model procedure was applied to determine the relationship of serum magnesium with quantitative variables.

Results: Of the 119 patients, 23.5% of the patients had inadequate magnesium intake (lower than 67% of the recommended daily allowance), and 18.5% had hypomagnesemia. In patients with hypomagnesemia (< 0.75?mmol/l), serum levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were higher compared to patients with normomagnesemia. FPG levels were significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia in Model 1 (179.0?±?64.9 vs. 148.7?±?52.0?mg/dl, p?=?0.009) but the significance disappeared in other models. PPG levels were significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia in all models (287.9?±?108.4 vs. 226.8?±?89.4?mg/dl, p?=?0.006 for Model 1, p?=?0.027 for Model 2, p?=?0.016 for Model 3). Serum HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia, and this significance proceeded (8.0?±?1.9% vs. 6.5?±?1.2%, p?=?0.000 for all models). Body fat mass was significantly higher in patients with hypomagnesemia as compared to patients with normomagnesemia in model 3 (35.4?±?9.4?kg, 34.6?±?10.2?kg; p?=?0.034). Dietary magnesium intake was not significantly associated with either metabolic parameters or anthropometric measurements.

Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia in T2DM is directly associated with poor metabolic control. Clinical assessment should, therefore, focus on augmentation of magnesium status and adequate magnesium intake in patients with T2DM.     

Association of Malnutrition Inflammation Score With Anthropometric Parameters,Depression, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: Hemodialysis patients may be at risk for malnutrition due to catabolic effects caused by dialysis, loss of amino acids, inadequate nutrient intake, acidosis, and inflammation. Malnutrition may have negative effects on quality of life, mortality, and disease prognosis. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between anthropometric parameters, depression, and quality of life with Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS) on 55 patients aged between 18 and 65 years (36 males and 19 females) who have dialysis treatment for 3?days per week for at least 3?months due to end-stage renal disease.

Methods: Patients were evaluated with MIS, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). In addition, anthropometric (body weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC]) and body composition measurements of patients were taken, body mass index (BMI) values were calculated, and biochemical parameters (albumin, C-reactive protein [CRP], and total iron binding capacity [TIBC]) were analyzed.

Results: At the end of the study, 14.5% of the patients according to SGA, were classified as malnourished. There was a statistically significant positive correlation of BDI, duration of dialysis, and CRP with MIS. However, MIS had a statistically significant negative correlation with SWLS, body weight, and MUAC (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: MIS is an effective screening tool for assessing malnutrition and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. However, there is a need for studies to identify cutoff points of MIS.     

The Effect of Added Peanut Butter on the Glycemic Response to a High–Glycemic Index Meal: A Pilot Study

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether supplementation of a high–glycemic index breakfast meal with peanut butter attenuates the glycemic response.

Methods: Sixteen healthy adults, aged 24.1?±?3.5 years, reported in the morning to a nutrition assessment laboratory for two days of data collection, having fasted 8 to 12?hours. On day 1 (control), fasting blood glucose (BG) was measured using glucometers, then participants consumed two slices of white bread and 250 mL apple juice (60?g carbohydrate) within 15?minutes. BG was measured again at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120?minutes after the first bite of the meal. On day 2, the protocol was repeated, except 32?g (2 tbsp) of peanut butter was added to the meal (treatment).

Results: The spike in BG was significantly lower on the treatment versus control day (35.8?±?16.4 vs. 51.0?±?20.8?mg/dL, respectively; p?<?0.01), and BG was significantly lower on the treatment day at 15, 30, and 60?minutes post–meal consumption (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions: This study indicates that supplementation with 32 g (2 tbsp) peanut butter attenuates the magnitude of BG spike and overall glycemic response to high–glycemic index meal and may be a practical, beneficial strategy to prevent undesirable elevations in BG.     

Inhibition of hormonal and behavioral effects of stress by tryptophan in rats

Objectives: Stress in known to alter hormonal systems. Pharmacological doses of tryptophan, the essential amino acid precursor of serotonin, increase circulating leptin and decrease ghrelin in normal healthy adults. Because systemically injected leptin inhibits stress-induced behavioral deficits and systemically injected serotonin modulates leptin release from the adipocytes, we used tryptophan as a pharmacological tool to modulate hormonal and behavioral responses in unstressed and stressed rats.

Methods: Leptin, ghrelin, serotonin, tryptophan, and behavior were studied in unstressed and stressed rats following oral administration of 0, 100, 200, and 300?mg/kg of tryptophan.

Results: Following oral administration of tryptophan at a dose of 300?mg/kg, circulating levels of serotonin and leptin increased and those of ghrelin decreased in unstressed animals. No effect occurred on 24-hours cumulative food intake and elevated plus maze performance. Exposure to 2 hours immobilization stress decreased 24 hours cumulative food intake and impaired performance in elevated plus maze monitored next day. Serum serotonin decreased, leptin increased, and no effect occurred on ghrelin. Stress effects on serotonin, leptin, food intake, and elevated plus maze performance did not occur in tryptophan-pretreated animals. Tryptophan-induced decreases of ghrelin also did not occur in stressed animals.

Conclusion: The findings show an important role of serum serotonin, leptin, and ghrelin in responses to stress and suggest that the essential amino acid tryptophan can improve therapeutics in stress-induced hormonal and behavioral disorders.     

Nutritional Routine of Tae Kwon Do Athletes Prior to Competition: What Is the Impact of Weight Control Practices?

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate and assess the common dietary and weight management strategies of Tae Kwon Do (TKD) athletes prior to national competitions, as well as to examine the relationships between these strategies and body weight reduction and sensation of physical condition.

Methods: Sixty (n = 60) TKD athletes, 23 women (19.4 ± 2.9 years) and 37 men (20.4 ± 3.6 years), with at least 12.1 ± 3.1 years of experience, participated in the present study. The athletes recorded their dietary intake and physical activity for 3 training days and on a competition day. Bioelectrical impedance was used for body composition estimation.

Results: Male athletes consumed 1918 ± 685 kcal/24 hours and 1974 ± 669 kcal/24 hours on training and competition days, respectively, and women 1814 ± 446 kcal/24 hours and 1700 ± 439 kcal/24 hours. TKD athletes had significant negative energy balance (48.6% ± 17.8% to 60.3% ± 26.9%; p < 0.05), with the majority of macro- and micronutritional elements being lower than the recommended values, with significant differences between them, as well as within groups, between weekdays and weekend days (p < 0.05). Females lost most of their weight 2 weeks before the games (3.50 ± 1.00 kg), and males lost most of their weight 3 weeks before (3.16 ± 2.48 kg). The majority of TKD athletes were guided by their coaches for weight management strategies. No significant correlations were found between any body composition variable, weight loss, and any nutritional intake at any time point (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: These data suggest that the methods of TKD athletes for rapid weight loss are guided by unspecialized professionals, leading to significant malnutrition, because certain deficiencies in both macro- and micronutrient content are present, with no guaranteed specific reduction of their body mass.     

Disordered Eating Among a Diverse Sample of First-Year College Students

Objective: A cross-sectional study of first-year college students was conducted to identify the prevalence and predictors of disordered eating (DE).

Methods: College freshmen students, aged 18 years, (n?=?106) completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and a supplemental survey. A subset of the sample (n?=?77) underwent measurements of height, weight, and body composition. DE was defined as an elevated (3) weight, shape, eating concern, or dietary restraint EDE-Q subscale score.

Results: The sample, consisting of 56.6%, 15.1%, 11.3%, and 11.3% Latino/a, Asian, African American, and Caucasian students, respectively (37% male), reported a 31.1% prevalence of DE. The current desire to lose weight was the strongest predictor of DE (odds ratio?=?15.3; 95% confidence interval?=?2.8, 82.5). Other variables linked to DE or elevated EDE-Q subscale scores included body mass index (BMI) 25.0?kg/m², vegetarianism, weight loss in the past year, female gender, and eating breakfast <?5?d/wk. Participants with BMI 25.0?kg/m² and the current desire to lose weight (n?=?23) or following a vegetarian diet (n?=?5) exhibited the highest prevalence of DE (78.3% and 80.0%, respectively). A higher proportion of Latinas reported binge episodes compared to female Caucasian, Asian, and African American students (36.4% vs. 0.0%, 6.7%, and 28.6%, respectively, p?=?0.056, χ²?=?7.6). Males, versus females, were more likely to report excessive exercise (56.4% vs. 37.3%, p?=?0.056, χ²?=?3.6).

Conclusions: This study adds to the current body of literature on DE by providing a diverse sample and potentially novel predictors and risk factors for DE.     

Impact of maternal iron deficiency on the auditory functions in the young and adult guinea pig

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing function in the guinea pig offspring at post-natal day (PNd) 24 and PNd84 born from dams suffering from iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation by using the auditory brainstem response (ABR).

Method: Female guinea pigs (n?=?24 per dietary group) were fed an iron sufficient (IS) diet (114?mg/kg) or an iron deficient (ID) diet (11.7?mg/kg) during the gestation and lactation periods. Pups in both groups were weaned at PNd9 and given the IS diet. The hematocrit level was measured at every trimester of pregnancy and at the day of sacrifice in dams and at PNd24 and PNd84 in pups. The animal body weight was measured on every second day until the day of sacrifice. The ABR was used in pups to measure the hearing threshold using a broad range of stimulus intensities and latency at 100 and 80?dB in response to 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32?kHz tone pips at PNd24 and 84.

Results and discussion: No significant difference between dietary groups was measured in hearing threshold and absolute latencies in pups at PNd24 and PNd84. Although the ID offspring (n?=?16) did not differ in brainstem transmission times (BTTs) at 80?dB compare to the IS siblings (n?=?25) at PNd24, they showed significant delayed inter-peak latency (IPL) I-IV at 100?dB suggesting a delayed BTT. At PNd84, the latency of all peaks including IPL I-IV at 80 and 100?dB significantly decreased and was also similar in pups from both dietary groups suggesting a better brain maturation. This is the first study investigating the long-term impact of maternal iron deficiency on the auditory functions in the guinea pig offspring during early development to adulthood.     

Comparison of Calorie-Restricted Diet and Resveratrol Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices,Metabolic Parameters,and Serum Sirtuin-1 Levels in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: There is a promising perspective regarding the potential effect of resveratrol in preventing and treating metabolic disturbances similar to that of calorie restriction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of calorie-restricted (CR) diet on metabolic parameters and then to investigate whether resveratrol supplementation has beneficial effects similar to CR diet in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 90 patients with NAFLD (males and females) aged 20 to 60 years with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 35 kg/m². Participants were assigned to one of three intervention groups as follows: The CR diet group (n = 30) received a prescribed low-calorie diet, the resveratrol group (n = 30) received 600 mg pure trans-resveratrol (2 × 300 mg) daily, and the placebo group (n = 30) received placebo capsules (2 × 300 mg) daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, and dietary intake and physical activity data were collected for all participants at baseline and at the end of the trial.

Results: CR diet significantly reduced weight (by 4.5%); BMI; waist circumference; waist-to-hip ratio; and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid profiles in participants compared to resveratrol and placebo (all p < 0.05). Significant reductions in weight (by 1.1%) and BMI were found in the resveratrol group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). ALT, AST, and lipid profiles did not change significantly in the resveratrol group (all p > 0.05). No significant changes were seen in hepatic steatosis grade, serum glycemic parameters, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and sirtuin-1 levels in any group (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions: CR diet with moderate weight loss has favorable effects on NAFLD, and resveratrol supplementation induced weight loss but failed to mimic other aspects of CR diet. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term and dose-dependent effects of resveratrol on metabolic diseases.     

Protective Effect of Chickpea Protein Hydrolysates on Colon Carcinogenesis Associated With a Hypercaloric Diet

Objective: Colon cancer occupies the third place in incidence worldwide; eating habits, in particular, consumption of hypercaloric diets, are relevant in its etiopathogenesis. On the other hand, foods can also modulate carcinogenesis: for example, proteins, which when hydrolyzed release peptides with biological activities, and legumes, especially, chickpea, represent a good source of hydrolysates. The objective of this work was to verify the inhibitory effect of chickpea hydrolyzed protein on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced carcinogenesis in mice fed a hypercaloric diet.

Methods: We hydrolyzed chickpea protein by pepsin, pancreatin, and a combined pepsin–pancreatin system, to test its anticarcinogenic and hypercaloric activity in mice that had consumed a hypercaloric diet or a normal diet but were injected with azoxymethane (AOM).

Results: A concentrate (70% proteins) was obtained from chickpea seeds (18.5% proteins), and extensive hydrolysates were obtained at 15?minutes, in all tested enzyme systems. The greatest activity was evidenced in the hydrolysates obtained with pepsin–pancreatin at 90?minutes. Animals that consumed the hypercaloric diet had a higher concentration of cholesterol and a higher atherogenic index, which were significantly reduced with the administration of chickpea protein hydrolysates with a dose-response effect (10, 20, or 30?mg/kg), whereas no effect was observed in animals that consumed the normal diet. In animals given AOM, aberrant crypts were observed, at a higher rate in animals that consumed the hypercaloric diet; with the consumption of hydrolysates by the animals that consumed either diet, the number of aberrant crypts was reduced with the 3 doses tested, and the effect was better in those animals fed the hypercaloric diet. The best effect in all tests was with 30?mg/kg body weight.

Conclusion: The consumption of chickpea protein hydrolysates might confer a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis.     

The Role of Eating Habits on the Iron Status of Pregnant Women

Objective: This study highlights the relationship between some eating habits and iron status during pregnancy.

Subjects: The study included 219 healthy pregnant women aged 27.6 ± 5.7 years from southern Bulgaria.

Methods: Subjects’ iron status was assessed on the basis of the following iron indicators: hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), and body iron index (mg/kg).

Results: Severe anemia among the women from southern Bulgaria was not observed. Advanced pregnancy and some eating habits are factors that deteriorate iron status. Women who had consumed fish at least 3 times a week had lower levels of sTfR (р = 0.008), higher levels of SF (р = 0.05), and lower levels of body iron (р = 0.018). Frequent legume consumption was related to increased levels of sTfR (р = 0.036). Pregnant women with a high frequency of coffee consumption had lower values of body iron (р < 0.0001). Women who had consumed cow's milk at least 3 times a week had lower levels of SF (р = 0.026) and body iron (р = 0.042).

Conclusions: Regular consumption of fish and legumes, rarely drinking coffee, and milk consumption during the intervals between food intake are conditions for optimization of iron status during pregnancy.     

Anticonvulsant effects of thiamine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in mice

Objectives: Thiamine serves as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in brain function and neurotransmitters biosynthesis. Thiamine-dependent enzymes are important for oxidant stress defenses. Several studies have reported that thiamine deficiency in the central nervous system reduces seizure threshold. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of acute and chronic administration of thiamine alone and in combination with sub-effective dose of diazepam on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced tonic–clonic seizures in mice.

Methods: Animals were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. In experimental groups, thiamine (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg i.p.) was administered acutely or chronically (once a day, for 14 days). Slow intravenous infusion of PTZ (5?mg/ml) by infusion pump with a constant rate (0.3?ml/min) was used to induce clonic and tonic seizures.

Results: Acute injection of thiamine (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg i.p.) did not increase seizure threshold significantly, but chronic treatment with thiamine (200?mg/kg i.p.) increases the clonic and tonic seizure threshold. Moreover, the combination of sub-effective dose of thiamine (100?mg/kg) and diazepam (0.1?mg/kg) significantly increased seizure threshold and enhanced the anticonvulsant effect of diazepam at ineffective dose (0.1?mg/kg).

Discussion: Our results suggest that thiamine can be considered as a potential add-on treatment in deficient and non-deficient thiamine epileptic patients. Co-administration of this vitamin with classic antiepileptics to decrease the required doses of regular drugs may be recommended. Nevertheless, more well-designed studies may be executed to provide further accurate information.     

Protective effect of raisin (currant) against spatial memory impairment and oxidative stress in Alzheimer disease model

Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive pathological changes of the brain. A number of studies demonstrated compelling evidence of the importance of oxidative processes in AD pathogenesis. Raisin contains polyphenol, phenolic acid, and tannin compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of raisin on neurobehavioral and histological changes in rats with Alzheimer.

Methods: Animal model of AD was induced by intraperitoneal injection of aluminium chloride for 60 days (100?mg/kg body weight). During these 60 days both Alzheimer’s and control rats were given 6?g of raisin per rat. At the end of the treatment, blood was collected for biochemical assessment. We used a Morris water task and passive avoidance test to assess spatial memory.

Results: Our results showed that aluminium exposure significantly decreased the memory in the MWT and passive avoidance test, but in the raisin?+?AlCl₃ group, it significantly increased spatial memory in both tests. Also, Aluminium exposure significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased ferric reducing ability of plasma (ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP)), while treatment with raisin significantly decreased MDA and increased FRAP in plasma of blood.

Discussion: Our findings showed that raisin has a neuroprotective effect and improves the spatial memory in AD animal models.     

Serum and Erythrocyte Biomarkers of Nutrient Status Correlate with Short-Term Α-Carotene, Β-Carotene,Folate, and Vegetable Intakes Estimated by Food Frequency Questionnaire in Military Recruits

Objective: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) estimate habitual dietary intake and require evaluation in populations of interest in order to determine accuracy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine agreement between circulating biomarkers and FFQ estimated dietary intake in a military population consuming all meals in a dining facility over 12?weeks.

Methods: 2014 Block FFQs were administered and fasted blood samples were drawn to assess nutritional biomarkers at the end of a 12-week training period in male (n?=?141) and female (n?=?125) Marine recruits undergoing initial military training. FFQ estimates of alpha- and beta-carotene, folate, and fruit and vegetable intake and circulating concentrations of serum alpha- and beta-carotene and serum and erythrocyte folate were measured. Partial correlations were used in the full model, and weighted kappa coefficients were used to determine agreement between ranking quartiles of dietary intake estimates with corresponding biomarker status quartiles.

Results: Serum and dietary intake of alpha-carotene were positively associated in males (p?=?0.009) and females (p?<?0.001), as was serum and intake of beta-carotene (males, p?=?0.002; females, p?<?0.001). Alpha-carotene was positively associated with vegetable intake in males (p?=?0.02) and beta-carotene with vegetable intake in females (p?=?0.003). Serum folate in males (p?=?0.002) and erythrocyte folate in females (p?=?0.02) were associated with dietary folate intake. In females, the relationships between biomarker and dietary estimates yielded significant kappa coefficients. In males, a significant kappa coefficient was observed for erythrocyte folate and dietary intake of folate only. The kappa coefficient for serum and estimated intake of beta-carotene was not significant in males.

Conclusion: Twelve-week habitual intake of alpha-and beta-carotene and folate were correlated with circulating biomarkers in a military training population. The 2014 Block FFQ was able to accurately rank females into quartiles of nutrient status based on intake, while males were ranked less accurately than females.