Feeding Research Articles

Socio-Demographic Influences on Dietary Habits and Nutritional Awareness: A Case Study of Polish Biathlon Association National Team Members.

This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic factors on the dietary habits of athletes of the Polish Biathlon Association. Focusing on age, education, employment status, and gender, this research assesses food choices, meal preparation, and nutritional awareness within a structured sports environment. A cross-sectional survey of 54 athletes was conducted using a modified "Eating Habits of Poles" questionnaire to explore food selection, preparation methods, consumption patterns, and nutritional perspectives. This focus on biathletes emphasizes their distinct dietary needs, which arise from the demanding combination of endurance and precision in their sport, providing valuable insights for tailored dietary strategies to enhance their performance and overall health. The results indicate that age, education, and employment status significantly influence Polish biathletes' dietary habits and nutritional awareness. Older athletes (under 23 years) demonstrated significantly higher nutritional awareness regarding modern dietary trends (p = 0.015). In contrast, 50% of higher-education athletes were more engaged in meal planning and healthier food choices than those with elementary education (p = 0.031). Employment status also played a role; 70% of the athletes were students who exhibited more convenience-based food choices, whereas 30% were employed and maintained more structured eating patterns (p = 0.008). Minimal gender differences were found, with 50% of male and 50% of female athletes showing similar dietary habits, likely due to standardized nutrition programs provided to all athletes. This indicates a potential need for further research to determine whether professional dietary support can effectively address typical gender-related variations in food behavior and lead to improvements in dietary outcomes. This study highlights the importance of targeted nutrition education and professional support for optimizing the nutritional habits of professional athletes. This emphasizes that socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and employment status significantly shape these behaviors, underscoring the need for personalized nutritional strategies within athletic programs.

Genetic diversity of local sweet potato cultivars (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) from Bulungan, North Kalimantan based on morphological characters

Indonesia is one of the centers of sweet potato diversity worldwide. Sweet potatoes have the potential to be developed for food consumption. This research aims to determine the diversity of sweet potato cultivars, their morphological characteristics, and the relationships between local sweet potato cultivars in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan. The local sweet potato cultivars were selected using purposive sampling with the exploration method. The morphological characterization of the samples is based on IBPGR (International Board for Plant Genetic Resources) standards. Cluster analysis was conducted to identify the relationships using MVSP software version 3.1. The research identified 27 local sweet potato cultivars in Bulungan Regency. Morphological characterization revealed 41 characters that can differentiate each local sweet potato cultivar. The most influential characteristics include leaf shape, flower surface texture, the position of the stigma, flower surface color, back petal color, center shape and the number of lobes, primary leaf vein color, lobe type, main leaf bone color, stem internode length, and plant type. A flower shape that had not been discovered before, a pentagonal shape with curves, was identified. Cluster analysis divided the cultivars into two major groups with a coefficient range of 0.593 to 0.888 (59.3 to 88.8%). Cluster A consisted of one member, LK-7 (purple sweet potato), while Cluster B consisted of several subgroups with 26 local cultivars. The people of Bulungan Regency use these local cultivars for food, animal feed, and medicinal purposes.

Additives in Processed Foods as a Potential Source of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: A Review

Processed foods, accounting for most consumable food categories today, contain considerable amounts of food additives. Food additives are substances added to food products to improve taste, consistency, appearance, or shelf life. Various food additives, such as phthalates, bisphenol A, tartrazine, erythrosine, artificial sweeteners, and parabens, have been identified as potential sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in processed foods. EDCs are substances that frequently interfere with the regular functioning of the endocrine system, creating an unusual environment in the biological system, which leads to adverse health effects such as the disruption of hormone synthesis, receptor binding, and signal transduction pathways, as well as energy metabolic homeostatic disorders which potentially increasing the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and may also trigger allergic reactions. Consequently, they can also impact mammary gland development, and reproductive function, further leading to developmental abnormalities. This review aims to insights into the various food additives that act as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and to describe their applications in the food industry, as well as the failure of hormonal homeostatic mechanisms, which eventually result in hazardous health effects. It also outlines strategies to reduce the use of food additives and suggests alternative additives with minimal or no endocrine-disrupting properties, highlighting their importance for maintaining human health.

Storage of Rabbit Meat in Vacuum Extends the Oxidative Stability of Fat

ABSTRACTMeat quality is a very important factor for both food safety and consumer acceptance, and proper storage of meat can extend the time it stays fresh. This study thus looked at the effects of the atmosphere in which rabbit meat was stored on the oxidative stability of the meat and on its volatile compounds. Not only does the formation of oxidative products adversely affect the human body, but the compounds formed during oxidative changes also typically possess unpleasant aromas, leading to deterioration in the flavor of the meat. Our study analyzed three types of storage atmosphere for rabbit meat: vacuum (VAC), a modified atmosphere (LoOxMAP) composed of 60% CO2, 25% O2, and 15% N2, and an MAP (HiOxMAP) composed of 30% CO2 and 70% O2. The results show that the MAP with 70% oxygen (HiOxMAP) is the least beneficial variant of the three. Rabbit meat packed under HiOxMAP showed the greatest oxidative changes, and volatile compounds providing an unpleasant odor were detected. The fewest changes in meat stored for 21 days occurred in samples stored in VAC.Practical Applications: For the long‐term storage of rabbit meat at refrigerated temperature, it is best to use a vacuum atmosphere to slow down the oxidative changes in the meat fat.

Anthropometric profile and dietary intake of amateurs and professional mixed martial arts athletes

Nutritional habits and anthropometric profiles are directly linked to competitive performance; however, there is a great lack of information on amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes outside the competitive period. The aim of this study was to compare food consumption and anthropometric profile of amateur and professional MMA fighters. The sample was composed of 24 male MMA athletes, middleweight category (age: 27.5 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 79.0 ± 12.1 kg; height: 173.5 ± 0.1 cm; %BF: 19.5 ± 4.0 %, BMI: 26.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2). Food consumption was evaluated based on three 24-hour food diaries using the Multi-Step method in a non-competitive period and analyzed using the Dietbox v2.92 software. The professional group was younger (p = 0.001) than the amateur group. Total energy expenditure was similar between amateur (4364 ± 469 kcal) and professional (4312 ± 381 kcal). Amateur and professional reported an energy deficit between the estimated energy requirement and energy intake. Carbohydrate consumption was below the suggested minimum limits (amateur: 3.3 ± 1.6g/kg/day and professional: 3.3 ± 1.4g/kg/day). Protein intake was within the suggested limits (amateur: 1.4 ± 0.9g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.8g/kg/day) and lipids presented borderline values about to with concerning the recommendations in the literature (amateur: 0.9 ± 0.6 / g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.9 g/kg/day). Amateur and professional athletes did not differ in terms of food consumption and anthropometric profile. Both groups, amateur and professional, demonstrated negative energy balance and inability to reach the suggested levels of macronutrient intake according to the classification. Thus, it is recommended that both MMA groups receive attention regarding nutritional strategies.

The Effect of Fermented Food Containing Aspergillus Oryzae (Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI) Consumption on Abdominal Symptoms Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Women

Background: Psychological and physical symptoms such as irritability, headache, abdominal pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and drowsiness that occur because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study examined whether the intake of fermented food containing Aspergillus oryza (Amazake and Raw-SHIOKOJI), a traditional Japanese food, improved the abdominal symptoms associated with PMS. Method: Eleven healthy Japanese collegiate women in their 20s participated in this interventional study. The study period was set to 28 days per phase, and the participants were examined over three separate phases: before, during, and after the intake of Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI. The participants were instructed to maintain a daily record of their food intake, bowel movements and menstruation throughout the study period. Results: The intake of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate among 11 participants were similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Menstrual abdominal discomfort in women in their 20s was noted during the luteal and menstrual phases. Eight participants (72.7%) experienced abdominal discomfort during the luteal phase and all participants experienced abdominal discomfort during the menstrual phase. Consuming fermented food containing Aspergillus oryzae may reduce PMS abdominal symptoms by 72.7%. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of food containing Aspergillus oryzae reduced abdominal discomfort associated with the luteal phase and may improve menstruating women's health and quality of life.

Overview of Fat, Alcohol and Sodium Consumption Habits in Men Aged 25-55 Years in North Tapanuli Regency

<p><em>Hypertension is a condition of increased persistent blood pressure with a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of more than 90 mmHg. Hypertension can be triggered by unhealthy consumption habits such as consumption of foods containing high fat, drinking coffee, alcohol and smoking can stimulate constriction of blood vessels so as to increase blood pressure. This type of research is a quantitative analytic survey with a Cross Sectional design to find the relationship of risk factors affecting the occurrence of disease, this study was conducted to analyze the determinants of hypertension based on consumption habits (frequency of fat and sodium intake) and alcohol consumption in North Tapanuli Regency. Based on calculations using the Lemeshow formula, the minimum sample size required in this study was 93 with the addition of 10 percent. Thus, 103 samples were needed to achieve a confidence level of 95 percent. Measurement of the incidence of hypertension was obtained through direct measurement using a mercury spygmomanometer twice with a 5-minute measurement interval conducted by medical personnel. The incidence of hypertension can be categorized according to the Ministry of Health (2013), namely not hypertension if blood pressure ≤140/90 and hypertension if blood pressure >140/90. Based on the results of the study, it was found that there was an effect of alcohol consumption on the incidence of hypertension in men aged 22-25 years in North Tapanuli Regency. While the variables of fat and sodium consumption habits have no influence on the incidence of hypertension. Therefore, it is expected that each puskmesmas of North Tapanuli Regency can hold Posbindu PTM in an area that is easily accessible and close to the place of residence so that the implementation of counseling and Posbindu activities can be carried out properly, it is expected for families, to always provide encouragement, direction, motivation and guidance to other family members about the benefits and objectives of Posbindu PTM, so that they feel their health is cared for and they will use Posbindu PTM regularly. Farmers are expected to be able to organize good food consumption habits. By reducing the consumption of fat intake, sodium and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed.</em></p>

Efficiency of chewing load deficiency correction in clinical dental practice

Weakening of the chewing act, typical for modern humans due to consumption of soft food, causes a deficit of chewing load and has a negative effect on the dental system. To combat hypodynamia of the masticatory apparatus with the aim of preventing destructive processes in its structures, a gnathotraining system was developed, including electrical stimulation of the masticatory muscles themselves in physiological parameters, which develops the effect of “imaginary chewing”, and gnathotraining using chewing gum. In addition, functional training of the masticatory apparatus using chewing exercises was proposed. Considering that chewing gum practically does not compensate for the deficit of chewing load observed in modern society, the staff of the Kazan State Medical University and the Kazan National Research Technological University developed the “Denta Fit” dental trainer and a dental training system. It has been established that dental and jaw training stimulates secretion of saliva, its mineralizing potential, functional resistance of tooth enamel, allows achieving a good level of oral hygiene, reduces the rate of increase in the intensity of dental caries, as well as the severity of muscular-articular disorders of the temporomandibular joints, enhances neuromuscular activity of the masticatory muscles and regional blood flow. In children with permanent bite, dental and jaw training maintains the hydrogen index (pH) of oral fluid at a neutral level and provides, in combination with a toothbrush, optimal hygienic dental care, contributes to the formation of a correct dental occlusion. Thus, the effects of increased neuromuscular activity of the masticatory muscles, as well as regional vascular tone, arising during dental and jaw training, indirectly indicate that the dental and jaw system receives adequate mechanical loads necessary for the normal functioning of all its links. The results of the conducted studies indicate the effectiveness and feasibility of using dental training to improve dental status, which serves as a new approach to the prevention and treatment of dental diseases.

Analyzing Consumer Motivations and Behaviors Towards Upcycled Food from an Environmental Sustainability Perspective

Green energy consumption is a pressing global environmental issue that necessitates the optimization of food system circularity to effectively utilize natural resources. The rise of food technology has introduced upcycled food as a promising solution for reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. Despite its potential, research on consumer attitudes toward upcycled food remains scarce. This study investigates the role of upcycled food in shaping Taiwanese consumers’ behaviors in response to environmental challenges, utilizing the value–attitude–behavior (VAB) model with a focus on variables such as “product novelty”, “green perceived value”, and “ethical consumption”. Using convenience sampling, 297 valid responses were collected, achieving a response rate of 91.1%. Findings indicate that health values significantly enhance positive attitudes toward upcycled food, which in turn positively influences behavioral intentions. However, neither green perceived value nor product novelty significantly affected these intentions. These insights highlight the importance of prioritizing health values, consumer attitudes, and ethical consumption in marketing strategies for upcycled food to engage potential consumers and promote environmental sustainability. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature and suggests a strategic direction for the food industry.

The Impact of Calories Information Displayed on Menus on Fast Food Consumption Among Teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Impact of Calories Information Displayed on Menus on Fast Food Consumption Among Teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Does escaping the multidimensional poverty line improve family food security? Evidence from rural Vietnam

BackgroundReducing poverty and ensuring food security are critical sustainable development goals for countries like Vietnam. However, research investigating the relationship between these goals remains limited. This study seeks to explore the correlation between poverty alleviation and food security in Vietnam's rural areas, offering insights for policymakers to address both objectives simultaneously.MethodsWe applied Vietnam's multidimensional poverty standard to determine if households classified as poor in 2016 had managed to escape poverty by 2018. We utilized the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and per capita food expenditure to examine the consumption patterns and food security levels within these households. Panel data encompassing 407 low-income households, gathered from the 2016 and 2018 Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS), constituted the dataset for this study.ResultsAmong the 407 impoverished households in 2016, 244 achieved poverty alleviation by 2018. Their average monthly per capita income increased by 416.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (17.8 USD) during this period, with wage income contributing significantly, rising by approximately 315.9 thousand Vietnamese Dong (13.4 USD) per person. Regression analysis reveals that as households escaped the multidimensional poverty line, they diversified food consumption and increased per capita food expenditure. However, the household dietary diversity score only increased by 0.166. Meanwhile, monthly per capita food expenditure surged by 85,600 Vietnamese Dong (3.63 USD) per person.Conclusions and policy recommendationsImplementing poverty eradication policies could achieve both poverty reduction and improved food security. Policymakers should focus on creating stable wage employment for poor households, as this income source significantly aids in poverty alleviation.

Breast cancer and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women. Still, there is a paucity of studies to know the magnitude of the problem in Ethiopia. Hence, this review was intended to pool the prevalence and identify the determinants of breast cancer in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Databases like PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, as well as websites of organisationsI organizations,rewere searched between 25 February and 6 March 2023. All observational studies in Ethiopia that reported either the magnitude and/or determinants of breast cancer regardless of publication status were included. Two authors independently assessed and extracted the data. The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-analysis of statistics assessment and review instrument quality appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the articles. Effect estimates were done by using the random-effects model. The meta-analysis results were displayed by using forest plots. Seventeen articles were reviewed with 24 435 total participants. The pooled proportion of breast cancer morbidity among patients with cancer was 20. 58% (95% CI 17.25%, 23.90%) in Ethiopia. Consuming packed foods (POR=2.12, 95% CI 1.41, 3.17), presence of high cholesterol (POR=4.08; 95% CI 2.75, 6.07), physical inactivity (POR=3.27; 95% CI 1.80, 5.94), high body mass index (BMI) (POR=2.27; 95% CI 0.85, 6.03), postmenopause (POR=2.25; 95% CI 1.63, 3.10), family history of cancer (POR=3.65; 95% CI 0.85, 15.71) and lack of breastfeeding (POR=2.76; 95% CI 0.90, 7.92) were the determinants of breast cancer. One of five patients with cancer is diagnosed with breast cancer in Ethiopia. Furthermore, more than a quarter of women with cancer suffer from breast cancer. Processed food consumption, high cholesterol in the body, lack of physical activity, high BMI, postmenopause, family history of cancer and lack of breastfeeding were the risk factors for breast cancer. The use of healthy food sources such as fruits and vegetables, and homegrown varieties of crops rather than seeking processed foods would help. CRD42023417733.

European Perspectives on Public Benefit in Relation to Food: Insights from a Serious Game Approach

There is limited understanding of what constitutes public benefit from the perspective of the public, and none that we are aware of related to food consumer science. The purpose of this study is to contribute towards a better understanding of public benefit as a whole and its connection to food choice, essential to driving progress towards responsible consumption and healthier diets. Public benefit, associated trade-offs and responsible actors were investigated via written questions, and food choice was explored during group discussions using the PlayDecide methodology. Adults (n = 105) were recruited in six European countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Spain and the UK) and stratified by attained education. Our findings indicate that assumptions should not be made that there is general consensus about what constitutes public benefit, especially with regard to consumer food choice. Group discussions around food-related freedom of choice, education, agency and responsibility suggested that private and public benefit are neither mutually exclusive nor automatically complementary. The serious game approach employed affected a change in participants’ public benefit perceptions, demonstrating its potential to better evaluate the connections between private interests and the common good through meaningful public deliberation.

Assessment of genetically modified maize DP51291 (application GMFF-2021-0071).

Genetically modified maize DP51291 was developed to confer control against susceptible corn rootworm pests and tolerance to glufosinate-containing herbicide; these properties were achieved by introducing the ipd072Aa, pmi and mo-pat expression cassettes. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and compositional characteristics tested between maize DP51291 and its conventional counterpart needs further assessment, except for phosphorus in forage and manganese, proline, oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) in grain, which do not raise safety and nutritional concerns. The GMO Panel does not identify safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of the IPD072Aa, PAT and PMI proteins as expressed in maize DP51291 and finds no evidence that the genetic modification would change the overall allergenicity of maize DP51291. In the context of this application, the consumption of food and feed from maize DP51291 does not represent a nutritional concern in humans and animals. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP51291 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and non-GM maize varieties tested, and no post-market monitoring of food/feed is considered necessary. In the case of accidental release of viable maize DP51291 grains into the environment, this would not raise environmental safety concerns. The post-market environmental monitoring plan and reporting intervals are in line with the intended uses of maize DP51291. The GMO Panel concludes that maize DP51291 is as safe as its conventional counterpart and the tested non-GM maize varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.

Unhealthy Dietary Pattern Associated with Common Mental Disorders in Adults and Older Adults: A Population-based Study

Background:: Mental and behavioral disorders are influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, especially income, gender, age and family environment, indicating that physical health is directly associated with mental health. In this perspective, food consumption is highlighted as a risk factor for mental health, as healthy behaviors, along with a good quality diet, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Objective:: The objective of this a study is to investigate the association between CMD and dietary patterns, among other lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Method:: Cross-sectional population-based and household study conducted with 1574 individuals aged over 20 years, of both sexes, residing in Teresina and Picos, Piaui, Brazil. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and food consumption data were collected. The instrument used to identify the presence of CMDs was the Self Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20). Dietary patterns were obtained using the Principal Component Analysis method. Results:: Individuals of female sex, separated, with low education, smokers and lower level of physical activity had a higher prevalence of common mental disorders. As for the eating pattern, after adjustments, individuals who adhered to the unhealthy eating pattern had a 9% higher prevalence of CMD. Furthermore, adherence to the white meat standard represented 12% higher prevalence of CMD. Conclusion:: The results showed that, regardless of other socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, adherence to a more monotonous eating pattern in foods, characterized by the mainly consumption of animal protein and the lack consumption of foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as a less healthy one, characterized by the consumption of ultra-processed foods, increases the risk of developing CMD.

Contribution of ultra-processed food and animal-plant protein intake ratio to the environmental impact of Belgian diets

There is growing concern about the various impacts of food consumption, both on human and planetary health. Given the context-specific nature of consumption patterns, evaluating their national-level impacts is crucial for proactive policy development. This research aims to evaluate the environmental impact of current Belgian diets, with particular attention to the contribution of food groups, ultra-processed foods (UPF), and the animal-to-plant protein ratio. The methodology consists of three key stages. Firstly, the Belgian diet was summarised, based on data from the Belgian National Food Consumption Survey 2014/2015. Secondly, the origin of the most frequently consumed foods was traced using trade databases. Finally, a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted to determine the impact of Belgian diets on climate change, water use, land use, and fossil resource scarcity. In this third step, an iterative procedure for selecting the food items to be included in the study was performed. The iterative approach resulted in the inclusion of 227 food items in the analysis. The results indicate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 4.4 [4.27–4.54] kg CO2-equivalent per person per day. Red meat (35 %), beverages (16 %), dairy products (16 %) and snacks (10 %) are identified as primary contributors to climate change. Similar results were observed for land use impacts. Water use and fossil resource scarcity exhibited different trends, with beverages being the most impactful food group. Moreover, UPF account for 50 % of the total climate change and land use impacts, with a linear relationship observed between increased UPF consumption and GHG emissions and land use. A similar linear trend is observed between the ratio of animal-to-plant protein intake and both climate change and land use impact categories. A shift from the current protein ratio to a ratio of 40/60, as suggested in the Flemish Green Deal Protein Shift has been shown to result in a reduction in GHG emissions of the diet by 31 %. This study emphasises the need to target the consumption of high-impact foods such as UPF and animal-based products. Future research will investigate the relationship between environmental and health impacts.

Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with the acceleration of biological aging in the Moli-sani Study

BackgroundHealthy diets have been inversely associated with biological aging. However, the nutritional content is only one aspect of the overall food health potential, and more recently, increasing attention has been paid to nonnutrient food characteristics, such as food processing. ObjectivesTo examine the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption with biological aging measured by circulating blood biomarkers. MethodsCross-sectional analyses were conducted on 22,495 participants enrolled in the Moli-sani Study (2005–2010, Italy). Food intake was assessed by a 188-item food frequency questionnaire. UPF was defined according to the Nova classification and calculated as the ratio (weight ratio; %) between UPF (g/d) and total food eaten (g/d). Diet quality was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS; ranging 0–9). A deep neural network approach based on 36 circulating biomarkers was used to compute biological age (BA), and the resulting difference (Δage = BA − chronological age)—an index of biological aging—was tested as dependent variable in multivariable linear regression analyses including known risk factors. ResultsThe mean Δage in this population was −0.70 (standard deviation ±7.70) years. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher intake of UPF was associated with accelerated Δage [β = 0.34 years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08, 0.61 for the last fifth compared with the first). This association was not linear (P value for overall association <0.001; P value for nonlinearity = 0.049). Inclusion of the MDS into the model slightly attenuated this association by 9.1% (β = 0.31 years; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.59). ConclusionsA diet rich in UPF was associated with an acceleration of biological aging in a large sample of Italian adults. The poor nutritional composition of highly processed foods weakly accounted for this association, suggesting that biological aging could be adversely influenced by nonnutrient characteristics of these foods.

Toxicological analysis and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant evaluations of extract, fractions and secoxyloganin obtained from Guettarda viburnoides Cham. & Schltdl. in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGuettarda viburnoides, "veludinho do campo," is traditionally used for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions in humans; however, only one scientific study has reported this effect in an ear inflammatory model. Therefore, it is necessary to explore other in vivo models and the chemical composition of this medicinal plant. Aim of the studyA chemical investigation of methanolic extract of G. viburnoides (MEGV) (leaves) led to the isolation of secoxyloganin (GV-1). In addition, the preclinical safety of MEGV (in acute and subacute toxicological models, gavage = p.o.), antioxidants of MEGV, ethyl acetate (EAFGV) and hydromethanolic (HMFGV) fractions were tested using free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation methodologies, and the anti-inflammatory effects of MEGV, HMFGV and GV-1 (p.o.) were evaluated on carrageenan and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) models of inflammation in mice. Materials and MethodsMEGV was obtained from air-dried leaves by maceration with methanol at room temperature. MEGV was then purified by liquid-liquid partitioning, to obtain the EAFGV and HMFGV fractions. Purification of HMFGV afforded GV-1. The quantification of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, and condensed tannins was subsequently performed for MEGV. The antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and oxidation of β-carotene were evaluated in MEGV and its fractions. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEGV (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was assayed in carrageenan-induced models, followed by assessments of MEGV (100 mg/kg, p.o.), HMFGV (3 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) and GV-1 (3 mg/kg, p.o.) in CFA- induced models in mice (including paw oedema, mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity). Acute (14 days of MEGV, 2000 mg/kg, p.o.) and subacute (28 days, MEGV 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) toxicity was assessed in female Swiss mice. ResultsThe major compound was secoxyloganin (GV-1). The oral acute toxicity test of MEGV revealed no evidence of toxicity, indicating low toxicity according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In the subacute toxicity group, no clinical signs of toxicity or changes in body weight, water consumption, food consumption, or organ weight or morphology were observed after 28 days of gavage with MEGV (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group. MEGV, EAFGV, and HMFGV showed significant free-radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation activities, with IC50 values ≤ 26.38 ± 4.56 μg/mL. In in vivo anti-inflammatory assays, MEGV (3, 30 and 100 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan-induced oedema (2 and 4 h) and hyperalgesia (3 and 4 h). In the CFA model, MEGV (100 mg/kg), HMFGV (30 mg/kg) and GV-1 (3 mg/kg) reduced inflammation (at 3, 4 and 24 h) in all parameters (oedema, mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity). ConclusionThis study revealed that G. viburnoides has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and no toxicity was detected after acute or subacute gavage with MEGV, validating its traditional use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

An inhalation exposure assessment of Hexafluoroisobutylene in pregnant rats.

Hexafluoroisobutylene (HFIB) is an important compound widely used in semiconductor lithography materials, refrigerants, fluorine coatings, and pharmaceutical intermediates in the fluorination industry. Owing to its toxicity, the occupational exposure in the workplace, especially for pregnant woman is the concern and there is still lack of the data of HFIB toxicity on pregnancy and fetal development. Here, for the first time, we investigated the effects of HFIB on pregnant rats and fetal development. The pregnant rats were exposed to different doses of HFIB (0 ppm, 27.2 ppm, 53.5 ppm, 105.6 ppm) via whole-body inhalation for the period of organogenesis, which from implantation (gestation day 5) to the day prior to scheduled caesarean section (gestation day 19). The results showed that the pregnant rats exposed to 105.6 ppm HFIB displayed systemic toxicity, including a decrease in body weight and food consumption, as well as tracheal inflammation, pulmonary interstitial inflammation and renal tubular swelling. Moreover, reduced fetal and placental weights, delayed ossification, and a reduced number of ossification centers were observed in fetuses delivered by pregnant rats exposed to 105.6 ppm. These effects were attributed to severe maternal weight loss. In addition, it would be useful to note that no whole-body, visceral or skeletal congenital malformations were observed. However, HFIB exposure at 53.5 ppm showed no significant adverse effects on pregnant rats and fetuses. These findings demonstrate that 105.6 ppm HFIB is a toxic concentration, while 53.5 ppm HFIB is the no-observed-adverse-effect concentration (NOAEC) for both pregnancy and fetal development. This study for the first time to provide evidence for the health risk of HFIB exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.

Maternal exercise opportunity before, during, and after pregnancy alters maternal care behavior and offspring development and survival, but has few effects on offspring physical activity or body composition.

Early-life experiences, especially during critical periods of development and growth, can have long-lasting effects on adult phenotypes. Parents are a crucial part of the offspring early-life environment, particularly in mammals (e.g., via pregnancy), and parental behaviors (e.g., maternal exercise) can modify the early-life environment experienced by offspring. Such changes might be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how they affect offspring development and growth or interact with other key parental behaviors (e.g., nursing). We used mice from a long-term artificial selection experiment for high voluntary wheel-running behavior to determine whether maternal exercise opportunity affected (1) maternal physical activity, (2) maternal care behavior, or (3) offspring physical activity and body composition. Eighty prospective dams (40 from 4 selectively bred High Runner [HR] lines and 40 from 4 non-selected Control [CON] lines) were housed with continuous wheel access starting two weeks prior to breeding and ending 10 days postpartum, after which dams were housed without wheels until offspring weaning (21 days postpartum). An additional 100 dams (50 HR, 50 CON) were housed without wheels. Prospective dams from HR lines ran more revolutions/day (mainly by running faster) than those from CON lines when individually housed and in the days leading up to, but not after, birth. During postpartum days 1-5, HR and CON dams with wheels tended to exhibit less maternal behavior than those without (PWheel = 0.0672). During post-partum days 6-10, HR dams with wheels continued to exhibit less maternal behavior than those without, whereas CON dams with wheels exhibited more than those without (PLinetype*Wheel = 0.0218). The proportion of dams giving birth did not differ among groups. However, CON dams with wheels were less likely to have litter death between birth and weaning than those without wheels, whereas the opposite was true for HR dams (PLinetype*Wheel = 0.0447). Both HR and CON dams with wheels had litters with a higher proportion of females at weaning than those without wheels (PWheel = 0.0129). Maternal wheel access had few statistically significant effects on offspring, but may have resulted in developmental delays (e.g., delayed eye opening and decreased lean mass at weaning and sexual maturity). Additionally, maternal wheel access and sex may have interacted to affect wheel-running distance (PSex*Wheel = 0.0683) and duration (PSex*Wheel = 0.0926); female offspring from dams with wheels ran fewer revolutions per day, by running fewer minutes per day, than from dams without wheels, whereas males ran more. However, maternal exercise had no statistically significant effects on offspring food consumption (mass-adjusted), home-cage activity, open-field behavior, the reproductive characteristics of offspring, their adult body composition, nor relative organ masses; nor did maternal wheel access have statistically significant effects on grand-offspring food consumption, body composition or voluntary exercise behavior. Overall, our results provide some support for maternal exercise opportunity altering maternal care behavior. Altered maternal care could explain the observed trends in offspring survival, development, and voluntary exercise behavior. However, these effects did not have apparent long-lasting impacts on offspring or grand-offspring body composition or reproductive characteristics.