Dietary patterns,plasma vitamins and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis> fatty acids are associated with peripheral artery disease

Background

To investigate the association between dietary patterns (DP), plasma vitamins and trans fatty acids (TFAs) with the likelihood of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Methods

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for the years 1999–2002 were used. PAD was diagnosed by ankle brachial index assessment. Plasma concentrations of vitamins were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Vitamin D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Analysis of covariance, principal components analysis (PCA) and adjusted logistic regression were applied, accounting for the survey design and sample weights.

Results

Of the 4864 eligible participants, 2482 (51.0%) were men and 269 (5.5%) had prevalent PAD. PCA uncovered three DPs which accounted for 56.8% of the variance in dietary nutrients consumption including DP1 (fatty acids and cholesterol), DP2 (minerals, vitamins and fiber), and DP3 (polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA]). PAD patients had a significantly higher serum concentrations of trans 9-octadecenoic acid and trans 9, trans 12-octadienoic acid as well as lower plasma levels of vitamin D, retinol, retinyl stearate and retinyl palmitate (p?<?0.001 for all comparisons). In models adjusted for age, race, diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, smoking and energy intake, individuals in the highest quartile of the DP1 had higher odds for PAD compared with those in the lowest quartile [(odds ratio (OR): 6.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.00–20.63 p?<?0.001], while those in the highest quartile of DP2 and DP3 had lower odds of PAD relative to those in the lowest quartile (OR:0.28, OR:0.44, respectively; p?<?0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusion

We found that quality of diet, plasma vitamins and TFAs are associated with the likelihood of PAD. If confirmed in prospective studies, the possibility that dietary factors, plasma vitamins and TFAs might be valuable for preventing or delaying the clinical progression of PAD, should be investigated in intervention trials.

     

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

     

Chronic consumption of fructose in combination with <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> fatty acids but not with saturated fatty acids induces nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with fibrosis in rats

Purpose

Consumption of Western diet high in fat and fructose has been attributed to the recent epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the impact of specific fatty acids on the progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the chronic effects of consumption of fructose in combination with saturated fatty acids (SFA) or trans fatty acids (TFA) on the development of NAFLD.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six isocaloric starch/high fructose (44% of calories), high fat (39% calories) diet containing either starch–peanut oil, fructose–peanut oil, fructose–palmolein, fructose–clarified butter, fructose–coconut oil or fructose–partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and fed for 24 weeks. Palmolein, clarified butter and coconut oil were used as the source of SFA whereas partially hydrogenated vegetable oil was used as the source of TFA. Peanut oil was used as the reference oil.

Results

Long-term feeding of fructose in combination with SFA or TFA induced hepatic steatosis of similar extent associated with upregulation of stearoyl CoA desaturase-1. In contrast, fructose in combination with TFA induced NASH with fibrosis as evidenced by upregulation of hepatic proinflammatory cytokine and fibrogenic gene expression, increased hepatic oxidative stress and adipocytokine imbalance. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of NASH with fibrosis. Further, peanut oil prevented the development of NAFLD in fructose-fed rats.

Conclusion

Fructose in combination with TFA caused NASH with fibrosis by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas, fructose in combination with SFA caused simple steatosis, suggesting that the type of fatty acid is more important for the progression of NAFLD.

     

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

Purpose

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

     

Frequency of <Emphasis Type="Italic">RNF213</Emphasis> p.R4810K,a susceptibility variant for moyamoya disease,and health characteristics of carriers in the Japanese population

Objectives

RNF213 p.R4810K is a founder polymorphism that confers genetic susceptibility to moyamoya disease in East Asia. Only a few studies have investigated the symptoms and disease histories of RNF213 p.R4810K carriers in Japan. This study investigated the frequency of RNF213 p.R4810K in the general Japanese population and the health characteristics of the carriers.

Methods

Through a health-promotion campaign in the city of Uji, Japan, 519 subjects (120 males and 399 females) of the general Japanese population were genotyped for RNF213 p.R4810K and interviewed to determine health characteristics.

Results

Nine RNF213 p.R4810K heterozygous carriers (GA genotype) and no RNF213 p.R4810K homozygous carriers (AA genotype) were found among the 519 individuals. The estimates of the genotypes and allele frequencies for RNF213 p.R4810K were 1.73 and 0.87 %, respectively. There were no obvious differences in age, gender ratio, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or drinking or smoking habits between carriers and non-carriers. Interestingly, one patient with moyamoya disease was found among the nine RNF213 p.R4810K carriers.

Conclusions

This study showed the genotypes and allele frequencies of RNF213 p.R4810K in the general Japanese population to be similar to results of previous reports.

     

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

     

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

     

The amount and types of fatty acids acutely affect insulin,glycemic and gastrointestinal peptide responses but not satiety in metabolic syndrome subjects

Purpose

Limited clinical evidence is available on the effects of amount and types of dietary fats on postprandial insulinemic and gastrointestinal peptide responses in metabolic syndrome subjects. We hypothesized that meals enriched with designated: (1) amount of fats (50 vs 20 g), (2) fats with differing fatty acid composition (saturated, SFA; monounsaturated, MUFA or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA) would affect insulinemic and gastrointestinal peptide releases in metabolic syndrome subjects.

Methods

Using a randomized, crossover and double-blinded design, 15 men and 15 women with metabolic syndrome consumed high-fat meals enriched with SFA, MUFA or n-6 PUFA, or a low-fat/high-sucrose (SUCR) meal. C-peptide, insulin, glucose, gastrointestinal peptides and satiety were measured up to 6 h.

Results

As expected, SUCR meal induced higher C-peptide (45 %), insulin (45 %) and glucose (49 %) responses compared with high-fat meals regardless of types of fatty acids (P < 0.001). Interestingly, incremental area under the curve (AUC_0-120min) for glucagon-like peptide-1 was higher after SUCR meal compared with MUFA (27 %) and n-6 PUFA meals (23 %) (P = 0.01). AUC_0-120min for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide was higher after SFA meal compared with MUFA (23 %) and n-6 PUFA meals (20 %) (P = 0.004). Significant meal x time interaction (P = 0.007) was observed for ghrelin, but not cholecystokinin and satiety.

Conclusions

The amount of fat regardless of the types of fatty acids affects insulin and glycemic responses. Both the amount and types of fatty acids acutely affect the gastrointestinal peptide release in metabolic syndrome subjects, but not satiety.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichomonas vaginalis</Emphasis> infection and the diagnostic significance of detection tests among Ghanaian outpatients

Background

There is little data on Trichomonas vaginalis infection in Ghana. This study evaluated the prevalence of trichomoniasis using different diagnostic methods and determined the risk factors for infection in patients.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was administered. Vaginal swabs, urethral swabs and urine specimens were obtained from consenting patients; and the samples processed following standard protocols. The presence of T. vaginalis was determined using wet mount microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as gold standard. We also assessed the diagnostic performance the JD’s Trichomonas V® rapid antigen test to inform clinical practice.

Results

The PCR assay detected T. vaginalis positivity in 64 of 150 patients (42.6, 95%CI:35.0, 50.6) including all positive samples of wet mount microscopy and JD’s Trichomonas V® test. Wet mount microscopy showed low sensitivity (31.6%), high specificity (100%), moderate positive predictive value (75.0%), moderate positive likelihood ratio (3.0), and weak agreement (Cohen’s kappa, 0.283) with PCR assay. The JD’s Trichomonas V® test displayed lower sensitivity (25.0%), specificity (83.3%), and weaker measure of agreement (Cohen’s kappa, 0.233) with PCR. In multivariate analysis, the strongest independent predictor for T. vaginalis was female gender [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 24.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.58, 51.21; P-value<?0.001]. Knowledge of STI showed a protective effect against infection with the parasite (AOR, 0.13; 95%CI: 0.07, 0.29; P-value<?0.017).

Conclusion

The sensitivity of wet mount microscopy was low for T. vaginalis screening in our region. The JD’s Trichomonas V® test should not be considered as an alternative test. We recommend mandatory PCR assay for confirmation of negative wet mount results.

     

The potential protective effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Commelina nudiflora</Emphasis> L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats,mediated by suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

Background

This study aims to assess the hepatoprotective potential of Commelina nudiflora against CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Method

Antioxidant activities were determined. Phytochemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). In the in vivo study, Sprague Dawley rats were pretreated with C. nudiflora (150, 300, and 450 mg kg body weight (b.wt.)) once daily for 14 days followed by two doses of CCl₄ (1 ml/kg b.wt.). After 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and hepatoprotective analysis was performed.

Results

In vitro studies have shown that the extract possessed strong antioxidant activity and has ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-free radicals effectively. GCMS analysis of the C. nudiflora extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. Administration of C. nudiflora significantly reduced the impact of CCl₄ toxicity on serum markers of liver damage, serum aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT). C. nudiflora also increased antioxidant levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes and ameliorated the elevated hepatic formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by CCl₄ in rats. Histopathological examination indicated that C. nudiflora protect the liver from the toxic effect of CCl₄ and healed lesions such as necrosis, fatty degeneration, and hepatocyte injury as irregular lamellar organization and dilations in the endoplasmic reticulum. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that pretreatment of C. nudiflora decreased the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified protein adducts and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Furthermore, overexpression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin E2 is also reduced.

Conclusion

These findings exhibited the potential prospect of C. nudiflora as functional ingredients to prevent ROS-related liver damage.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">ANGPTL4</Emphasis> variants and their haplotypes are associated with serum lipid levels,the risk of coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke and atorvastatin cholesterol-lowering responses

Background

This study aimed to assess the association between the angiopoietin-like protein 4 gene (ANGPTL4) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum lipid levels, the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS), and response to atorvastatin therapy in a Southern Chinese Han population.

Methods

Genotypes of the ANGPTL4 rs4076317, rs7255436, rs1044250 and rs2967605 SNPs in 1,654 unrelated subjects (CAD, 568; IS, 537; and controls, 549) were determined by the Snapshot technology. Another group of 724 hyperlipidemic patients was selected and treated with atorvastatin calcium tablet 20 mg/day for 8 weeks.

Results

The rs2967605 CT/TT genotypes were associated with a decreased risk of CAD (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47-0.99, P = 0.043 for CT/TT vs. CC) and IS (adjusted OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.38-0.80, P = 0.020 for CT/TT vs. CC). There was no significant association between the four SNPs and angiographic severity of CAD. The subjects with the rs4076317 CG/CC genotypes in controls had higher total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels than the subjects with the GG genotype (P < 0.001; a P < 0.0018 was regarded statistically significant by the Bonferroni correction). The subjects with rs4076317CG/GG genotypes had lower TC and LDL-C levels than the subjects with CC genotype after atorvastatin treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The observed associations suggest that the ANGPTL4 variants have a potential role on serum lipid levels and atherosclerosis-related diseases in the Chinese Han population, especially the ANGPTL4 rs4076317 and rs2967605 SNPs.

     

Associations of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">PON1</Emphasis> rs662 polymorphism with circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein and lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Several meta-analyses have demonstrated that the rs662 polymorphism in Paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) gene is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is still uncertain whether this polymorphism is associated with the plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and lipids. This meta-analysis is aimed to clarify the relationships between the rs662 polymorphism and plasma levels of Ox-LDL and lipids.

Methods

By searching in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, VIP and CNKI databases, 5 studies (1369 subjects) and 85 studies (46,740 subjects) were respectively identified for Ox-LDL association analysis and lipid association analysis. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to estimate the effects of the rs662 polymorphism on plasma Ox-LDL and lipid levels.

Results

The carriers of the variant R allele had higher levels of Ox-LDL (SMD?=?0.23, 95% CI?=?0.10–0.36, P?<? 0.01), triglyceride (TG) (SMD?=?0.06, 95% CI?=?0.01–0.11, P?=?0.02), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD?=?0.04, 95% CI?=?0.00–0.07, P?=?0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD?=?0.04, 95% CI?=?0.00–0.08, P?=?0.04) than the non-carriers.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that the association between the PON1 rs662 polymorphism and CHD may partly be mediated by abnormal Ox-LDL and lipid levels caused by the R allele.

     

Distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aeromonas</Emphasis> species in environmental water used in daily life in Okinawa Prefecture,Japan

Objectives

The genus Aeromonas is known to causes diseases such as food poisoning, sepsis, and wound infection. However, the mode of Aeromonas transmission from environment to humans is not clearly understood. To evaluate the health risks of Aeromonas spp. in environmental freshwater, the number, proportion and putative virulence factors of Aeromonas species were investigated in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

Environmental freshwater samples were collected from three dams, two springs and three private wells. Aeromonas strains were identified by the biochemical method and the viable count was calculated. The production of extracellular enzymes and the virulence genes were investigated for possessing putative virulence factors using representative isolates.

Results

At least seven species of already-known Aeromonas isolates as well as unidentified Aeromonas spp. with/without arginin dehydrolase (ADH) exist in water at these sites. Aeromonas spp. was found to exist at over 1000 CFU/100 ml in one spring and two wells. A. veronii biovar sobria and A. jandaei were the predominant species in dams, and A. hydrophila and/or A. eucrenophila were predominant in wells. Almost all the sampled Aeromonas species produced protease, gelatinase, lipase, esterase and DNase, but A. caviae, A. caviae-like bacteria, and A. eucrenophila had low hemolytic activity. Most sampled A. hydrophila strains possessed both aerolysin gene (aer) and hemolysin gene (hlyA), but A. caviae and A. eucrenophila strains did not possess either gene.

Conclusions

Since these results indicated that several Aeromonas species having potential pathogenicity exist in environmental water in Okinawa, surveys are recommended as a public health measure.

     

Fluid intake patterns of children and adolescents: results of six Liq.In<Superscript>7</Superscript> national cross-sectional surveys

Purpose

This study aimed to identify and characterize patterns of fluid intake in children and adolescents from six countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico and Uruguay.

Methods

Data on fluid intake volume and type amongst children (4–9 years; N?=?1400) and adolescents (10–17 years; N?=?1781) were collected using the validated 7-day fluid-specific record (Liq.In⁷ record). To identify relatively distinct clusters of subjects based on eight fluid types (water, milk and its derivatives, hot beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), 100% fruit juices, artificial/non-nutritive sweetened beverages, alcoholic beverages, other beverages), a cluster analysis (partitioning around k-medoids algorithm) was used. Clusters were then characterized according to their socio-demographics and lifestyle indicators.

Results

The six interpretable clusters identified were: low drinkers–SSB (n 523), low drinkers–water and milk (n 615), medium mixed drinkers (n 914), high drinkers–SSB (n 513), high drinkers–water (n 352) and very high drinkers–water (n 264). Country of residence was the dominant characteristic, followed by socioeconomic level, in all six patterns.

Conclusions

This analysis showed that consumption of water and SSB were the primary drivers of the clusters. In addition to country, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors played a role in determining the characteristics of each cluster. This information highlights the need to target interventions in particular populations aimed at changing fluid intake behavior and improving health in children and adolescents.

     

Lipid deposition pattern and adaptive strategy in response to dietary fat in Chinese perch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Siniperca chuatsi</Emphasis>)

Background

Previous studies in teleost have demonstrated the adaptive strategy to maintain hepatic lipid homeostasis within certain limit. The excess of fat-intake could induce abnormal lipid deposition in liver but not adipose tissue. However, the molecular mechanism between the impaired lipid homeostasis and the aggravated lipid deposition in liver has not been elucidated well in fish.

Methods

Four isonitrogenous diets with different fat levels (2, 7, 12 and 17%) were formulated, named L2, L7, L12 and L17 respectively, and fed Chinese perch (44.50?±?0.25 g) to apparent satiation for five weeks. Growth index, triglyceride concentrations and expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism were measured.

Results

The maximal growth performance and food intake were observed in L12 group. The lipid content in liver and serum were comparable in L2, L7 and L12 groups, while they were increased significantly in L17 group. Histology analysis also demonstrated that mass lipid droplets emerged in hepatocyte and then induced hepatic steatosis in L17 group. Compared to L2 group, the lipolytic genes related to fatty acids (FAs) transport (lpl & hl) and FAs β-oxidation (cpt1 & cs) were increased in L7 and L12 group. Relative mRNA levels of the gluconeogenesis (pc, pepck & g6pase) were also increased, in contrast, the lipogenic genes (srebp1, accα & fas) were decreased. Compared to L12 group, L17 group had higher mRNA levels of the FAs transport and the lipogenesis. But the lipolytic genes related to FAs β-oxidation were steady and the mRNA levels of gluconeogenesis were down-regulated instead.

Conclusions

Within certain limit, the increase of dietary fat in L7 and L12 group was propitious to reduce the consumption of protein and improve growth performance in Chinese perch. It was due to the homeostasis of hepatic triglyceride (TG) pool and serum glucose through promoting the FAs β-oxidation and gluconeogenesis respectively. Both the increase of lipogenesis and the absence of FAs β-oxidation in L17 group could trigger the esterification of FAs, indeed, the inhibition of gluconeogenesis could also aggravate triglyceride accumulation in liver and induce hepatic steatosis.

     

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

     

The association between maternal nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy and 2-year-old offspring adiposity: analysis from the ROLO study

Aim

To examine the association between maternal nutrition and lifestyle factors and offspring adiposity, using baseline and 2-year postpartum follow-up data from a randomised control trial of low glycaemic index diet.

Subject and methods

Food diaries and lifestyle questionnaires were completed during pregnancy and infant feeding and maternal lifestyle questionnaires 2 years postpartum for 281 mother and infant pairs from the ROLO study. Maternal anthropometry was measured throughout pregnancy and infant and maternal anthropometry was measured 2 years postpartum.

Results

Maternal 2 year postpartum body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with offspring BMI-for-age z-score (B?=?0.105, p?=?0.015). Trimester 2 saturated fat intake was positively associated with offspring subscapular:triceps skinfold ratio (B?=?0.018, p?=?0.001). Trimester 1 glycaemic index was also positively associated with offspring sum of subscapular and triceps skinfolds (B?=?0.009, p?=?0.029).

Conclusions

Maternal BMI 2 years postpartum was positively associated with offspring BMI. Pregnancy saturated fat intake was positively and polyunsaturated fat negatively associated with offspring adiposity. While further research is necessary, pregnancy and the postpartum period may be early opportunities to combat childhood obesity.

     

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

     

Relationships of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (<Emphasis Type="Italic">ADH1B</Emphasis>) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">ALDH2</Emphasis>) genotypes with alcohol sensitivity,drinking behavior and problem drinking in Japanese older men

Objectives

Many East Asians have the genetic polymorphisms rs1229984 in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and rs671 in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Here we analyzed the relationships of the two genotypes with alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking among older and younger men living in rural areas of Japan.

Methods

The subjects were 718 Japanese men aged 63.3 ± 10.8 (mean ± SD), categorized into the older (≥65 years, n = 357) and younger (<65 years, n = 361) groups. Facial flushing frequency, drinking behavior and positive CAGE results were compared among the genotypes using Bonferroni-corrected χ² test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, BMI and lifestyle factors.

Results

The frequency of ‘always’ facial flushing among the ADH1B*1/*2 carriers was significantly lower than that among the ADH1B*2/*2 carriers in the older group (P < 0.01). The alcohol consumption (unit/day) in the ADH1B*1/*2 carriers tended to be higher compared with that in the ADH1B*2/*2 carriers among the older group (P = 0.050). In the younger group, no significant differences in alcohol sensitivity and drinking habits were generally found among the ADH1B genotypes. The ADH1B*1/*1 genotype tended to be positively associated with problem drinking in the older group (P = 0.080) but not in the younger group. The ALDH2 genotypes consistently and strongly affected the alcohol sensitivity, drinking behavior and problem drinking in both the younger and older group.

Conclusions

We for the first time observed a significant difference in alcohol sensitivity between ADH1B*1/*2 and ADH1B*2/*2 in older men aged 65 and above.

     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> fatty acids on glucose metabolism in soleus muscle of rats fed diets enriched in or deprived of linoleic acid

Purpose

Industrial trans fatty acid (TFA) intake leads to impaired glucose metabolism. However, the overall effects reported are inconsistent and vary with the dietary FA composition and TFA isomer type and levels. We investigated TFA effects on glucose uptake, incorporation and oxidation, and glycogen synthesis in incubated soleus muscle under basal conditions or after treatment with insulin and/or palmitate.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were fed either linoleic acid (LA)-enriched (⁺LA) or LA-deprived (^?LA) diet, supplemented (⁺LA?+?TFA or ^?LA?+?TFA) or not with TFA, for 60 days. Soleus muscle glucose metabolism was assessed in the absence or presence of insulin and/or palmitic acid.

Results

Under basal conditions, TFA enhanced glucose uptake and oxidation regardless of the LA status. Both TFA-supplemented groups had lower insulin response to glucose metabolism. Under insulin-stimulated conditions, TFA prevented the palmitate inhibition of muscle glucose uptake and metabolism in the ⁺LA?+?TFA group.

Conclusion

Dietary TFA enhanced glucose utilization in incubated soleus muscle under basal conditions and prevented the palmitate-induced inhibition in insulin-stimulated conditions. However, TFA reduced the insulin response to glucose uptake and metabolism. The effects mentioned above were influenced by the FA profile modifications induced by the dietary LA levels, suggesting that lipid metabolization and incorporation into plasma membrane are important determining factors of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.