Enriched Diet Research Articles

Therapeutic Effect of Dietary Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Growth Performance, Hematology Profile and Immunity Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Medicinal plants are rich in diverse nutrients and antioxidants that promote growth and have immunostimulating activities for fish. In aquaculture phytomedicines have gained importance worldwide because they are easily available, non-toxic to aquatic life. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is among the most suitable natural ingredient due to its biological effects. Therefore, a study has been conducted to determine the effect of turmeric on the growth performance, hematology and immunity of common carp Cyprinus carpio. For this purpose, 180 fingerlings of common carp with average initial weight (30.23±0.04 g) were divided into six groups containing five treatment groups. Each tank was stocked with 10 fingerlings. Treatments were maintained in triplicates. Fish were fed with basal diet supplemented with graded level of turmeric at different concentrations i.e. TE0 (control), TE1 (1.0%), TE2 (2.0%), TE3 (3.0%), TE4 (4.0%) and TE5 (5.0%). Fish were fed twice a day at 3% body weight for 12 weeks. Results showed that fish growth was higher in all treatments as compared to the control group. The feed efficiency ratio (FER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and condition factor (K), of fish fed with turmeric enriched diet were found to be better than the control group. TE4 diet exposed to 4% Turmeric, showed maximum growth in terms of growth performance and feed utilization. Moreover, haematology profile and immunity parameters also improved by turmeric supplementation. The result of the present study shows that turmeric has the potential to enhance the growth performance of common carp. Overall, the TE4 % dietary group showed better growth performance and immunity than the control group and other treated groups.

P0177 Dietary prevention of undernutrition reduces intestinal inflammation in a DSS-induced model of colitis and is associated with anti-inflammatory metabolites-producing bacteria

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have a high-risk for undernutrition1. Undernutrition is associated with higher complications such as an increased mortality rate, a higher disease activity and an impaired quality of life in IBD patients. The aim of the present study was to assess whether dietary prevention of undernutrition may alleviate intestinal inflammation in mice with colitis. Methods Mice were fed with an enriched diet (ED; 4.7 kcal/g, 38% kcal from milk fat, 29% kcal from sucrose) or a standard diet (SD; 3.9 kcal/g, 8% kcal from milk fat) for 31 days. Colitis was chemically induced by 1% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in male C57BL/6 mice for 7 days. Colitis severity was assessed by monitoring inflammation-related biomarkers, as colon weight/length ratio and fecal calprotectin. Gut microbiota composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed on DNA extracted from cecal contents. Body weight and body composition were recorded. Results In SD-fed mice, DSS induced body weight loss (p<0.01) associated to a decrease of fat and lean mass (p<0.01). In mice with DSS-induced colitis, ED for 3 weeks prevented body weight loss (p<0.001) and body composition alteration. ED prevented DSS-induced higher colon weight/length ratio and fecal calprotectin. Compared to SD, ED significantly increased relative abundance of 8 bacterial species, including Eisenbergiella tayi (log2FC=3.8474, p_adj<0.01) and Lactococcus lactis (log2FC=1.6034, p_adj<0.05) (Figure 1A), which are producing anti-inflammatory metabolites such as butyrate, lactate or succinate. Relative abundances of Pseudoflavonifractor capillosus and Vescimonas coprocola were negatively correlated with inflammatory markers, such as fecal calprotectin levels (r=-0.7347, p:adj=0.0332; r=-0.7846, p=0.0265, respectively) (Figure 1B). Conclusion Prevention of undernutrition by ED reduces DSS-induced colitis severity and is associated with higher anti-inflammatory metabolites-producing bacteria. Further studies are now required to understand the underlying mechanisms involved in these ED-induced effects.

P0143 Isotretinoin treatment protects against Crohn’s disease development and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive experimental enteritis

Abstract Background The rising incidence of Crohn’s disease (CD) is paralleled by a Westernization of diet including an increased consumption of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Previous research demonstrated that PUFA consumption is positively correlated with clinical disease activity in CD patients1 and mice lacking antioxidant GPX4 in their intestinal epithelial cells develop CD like enteritis when fed a PUFA enriched Western diet2. In this study we investigated whether blocking PUFA signalling through the PUFA receptor RXRα could alleviate experimental enteritis and provide protection against CD development in a Western cohort. Methods We generated mice lacking GPX4 (Gpx4ΔPC) specifically in Paneth cells, fed them a PUFA enriched Western-style diet (PUFA-WD) to induce experimental enteritis and treated them with 9-cis retinoic acid, administered by oral gavage. MODE-K cells (murine IECs) were subjected to GPX4 and RXRα silencing using siRNA and then stimulated with PUFA, 9-cis retinoic acid or isotretinoin (which is partly metabolised to 9-cis retinoic acid3). Cytokine expression was measured using ELISA. Additionally, we conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records via TriNetX4 to evaluate how isotretinoin treatment in US acne patients influences the likelihood of CD development later in life. Results After one month of PUFA-WD feeding, Gpx4ΔPC mice developed CD-like enteritis which was significantly ameliorated when treated with 9-cis retinoic acid during the last 3 days of the experiment. In GPX4 deficient IECs, PUFA induced expression of the neutrophil attracting chemokine CXCL1 was suppressed by RXRα silencing and dose dependently reduced by treatment with the RXRα modulators 9-cis retinoic acid or isotretinoin. This indicates a competitive interaction between PUFA and these modulators for RXRα binding, leading to cytokine production. 85,338 acne patients treated with isotretinoin were compared to 85,259 age and sex matched isotretinoin-untreated acne patients. We analysed outcomes for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease within 1 year in these two cohorts. Isotretinoin therapy was significantly associated with protection from Crohn’s disease (OR 0,641, 95% CI (0.509, 0.806)), but not from ulcerative colitis (OR 0.981, 95% CI (0.789, 1.219)). Conclusion Our findings reveal that PUFA-induced cytokine production mediated by RXRα plays a key role in the development of diet-induced gut inflammation. This process can be mitigated through the use of RXRα modulators, including isotretinoin. Additionally, isotretinoin use is associated with a reduced risk of Crohn’s disease development in US acne patients.

Enhancing cognitive functions in aged dogs and cats: a systematic review of enriched diets and nutraceuticals.

With advancements in veterinary care and the growing recognition of pets as integral member of the family, the lifespans of dogs and cats have significantly increased, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related conditions, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). CDS adversely impacts pets' quality of life and presents emotional and practical challenges for owners. Given its similarities to Alzheimer's disease in humans, CDS has gained attention as a target for nutrition-based interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of enriched diets and nutraceuticals in improving cognition in aging companion animals. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, and Dimensions to identify clinical trials published in English that investigated the effects of enriched diets or nutraceuticals on cognitive functions in aged cats or dogs. Study quality was assessed using a modified CAMARADES checklist. A total of 30 studies (27 canine and 2 feline trials) published between 2002 and 2023 were reviewed. Studies on enriched diets generally demonstrated higher methodological quality compared to those on supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids showed cognitive benefits in aging pets, especially at higher doses, while antioxidants from plant extracts and products and vitamins E and C alone were less effective but remain essential for stabilizing omega-3 fatty acids. Other supplements, including S-adenosyl methionine, medium-chain triglycerides, homotaurine, and apoaequorin, also showed promise. However, future studies must standardize protocols, include robust control groups, and utilize both objective tasks and subjective questionnaires to strengthen conclusions.

Antimicrobial Peptides, Their Production, and Potential in the Fight Against Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens

The article reviews the literature on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that exhibit unique antimicrobial mechanisms, such as broad-spectrum activity, low development of antimicrobial resistance, and the ability to modulate the immune response of the host organism. Information is provided on the significant potential of AMPs in the fight against pathogens threatening human health and food safety. Enrichment of the human diet with biologically active peptides obtained using the proteolytic activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is proposed as a simple, accessible, and viable alternative to antibiotics that does not have a harmful side effect. The review briefly covers the methods for obtaining AMPs and features of the LAB proteolytic system responsible for producing bioactive peptides in the environment. It has been shown that using various LAB strains makes it possible to produce high-quality whey-based beverages with different directions of antagonistic activity against opportunistic pathogens and helps optimize the gastrointestinal microbiota. It is assumed that such drinks can reduce the dose of antimicrobials in the combined therapy of various infectious diseases and be a preventive measure against contagion and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Characterization of phospholipid profiles of egg yolks: Newly classified plasmalogens, distribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the effects of dietary enrichment

Characterization of phospholipid profiles of egg yolks: Newly classified plasmalogens, distribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the effects of dietary enrichment

Oilseed Meals an Untapped Resource for Nutritional Innovation

The present investigation was carried out to nutritionally evaluate laddo supplemented with oilseed meals, including sesame meal (SM), flaxseed meal (FM), and groundnut meal (GM) at three level of incorporation (12, 18, and 24%). Composite meal was also prepared by mixing sesame, flaxseed & groundnut meal in equal amounts for the development of laddo similarly at three levels of incorporation (12, 18, and 24%). All the developed laddo were found to be organoleptically acceptable adjudicated by nine-point hedonic scale. Acceptability scores of all kinds of laddo varied between ‘liked moderately’ to ‘liked very much’ category. Laddo with 24% of incorporation of oilseed meal were studied for nutritional composition. Corresponding laddo prepared without oilseed meal was taken as control. Incorporation of all the three oilseed meals individually and in combination resulted in significant improvement in level of crude protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber, which ranged from 13.35-20.03, 25.52-35.99, 3.97-5.70, 4.19-5.14%, respectively. One serving (25gm) of laddo can meet 27% requirement of protein for pre-schoolers as per RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) 2020. Value added Laddo if promoted and popularized will help in the utilization of oilseed meals which are generally discarded and have a great nutritive potential which can be used for enrichment of daily diet at a reasonable cost. The developed recipe can be efficiently used as a means of improving nutritional status and to eliminate the malnutrition.

How enriched diet of the second trophic level (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) affects the performance of the third trophic level (Neoseiulus cucumeris): the role of pollens and legumes.

The generalist predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most effective biocontrol agents to control the pests of many crops in indoor cultivations. In this study, the effects of the enriched diets of the second trophic level, i.e. the stored-product mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) on the performance of N. cucumeris as the third trophic level was determined in a tritrophic system. In the first step, different pollens including almond, maize, date palm, castor bean, saffron, and cattail or different legume flours including pinto bean, lentil, black-eyed pea, chickpea, mung bean and broad bean as enrichment additives were added to the basic diet, i.e. a mixture of wheat bran and flour as a basic diet of T. putrescentiae. In the second step, to reveal the effects of the mentioned additives on the performance of N. cucumeris, the demographic parameters of the predator were determined when it was fed with the prey enriched with the additives. Our results indicated that N. cucumeris had higher performance by feeding on the prey reared on diets enriched by either pollens or legumes compared with the basic diet. Overall, there was no significant difference between pollen grains and some legume flours when the predatory mite was fed with them through its prey. Since legumes are more available and cost-effective food sources than pollens, they can be affordable supplementary diets for the mass rearing of N. cucumeris.

Dietary enrichment and feed preferences of threatened goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in captivity

Arid-adapted ungulates species, such as gazelles, have faced tremendous population declines in recent decades. Numerous breeding stations were established across Asia and the Middle East to facilitate the captive breeding of endangered gazelle species. We intended to improve the feed quality of goitered gazelle (Gazella subguttorosa) in captivity at the Kızılkuyu Gazelle Breeding Station in Şanlıurfa Province in southern Turkey. In a feed choice experiment, five different types of supplementary feed were offered to the gazelles (black barley, white barley, forage wheat, white barley flake and a combination of black barley and white barley flake). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the amount of feed types consumed. The mixture of black barley and white barley flake was the most preferred feed type. Black barley alone was the least preferred feed type, while white barley flake was the second most consumed feed, suggesting that white barley flake was particularly attractive to the gazelles. However, nutrient content analysis revealed no significant difference between feed types. When feed consumption was examined between sampling days, a significant difference was unravelled between day 1, 2, 8 and day 3–7. Results were discussed with respect to improving the gastro-intestinal health of captive gazelles, which is imperative when choosing suitable individuals for reintroduction, which should be in good physical condition to increase the chances for survival in the wild.

Efficacy of a PROtein enriched MEDiterranean diet with or without Exercise on Nutritional status and Diet Quality in Older Adults at Risk of Undernutrition with Subjective Memory Decline enrolled in the PROMED-EX Trial

This abstract was awarded the prize for best poster presentation.Undernutrition is common among older adults and, if untreated, can lead to weight loss, adverse cognitive and functional health outcomes and poorer quality of life. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with reduced nutrient deficiency1 and better cognitive health in older adults2, while adequate protein intake combined with exercise is crucial for maintaining muscle health during ageing3. Early intervention with MedDiet to meet energy and increased protein (1.2g/kg/day)4 and micronutrient needs of older adults in combination with exercise could help to prevent undernutrition during ageing but has not yet been tested.The PROMED-EX trial is a 6-month randomised controlled trial evaluating a PROtein-enriched MED Diet, with and without Exercise on nutritional status and cognitive performance, in older adults at increased risk of undernutrition and cognitive decline.5 The current objective is to evaluate the 3month change in nutritional status and diet quality measured using repeated Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), 4-day food diaries and PROMED diet score (0-14). Food diaries were analysed for energy and nutrients using Nutritics at each time-point. Data was analysed on the intention-totreat principle using multiple linear regression to compare outcomes at 3 months after adjusting for baseline values. Dunnett’s procedure was used to control for multiple comparisons when comparing the two intervention groups with the control group.One hundred and five eligible participants (69% female; mean age 67.7years [60-87 years]; BMI: 23.8 ± 3.4 kg/m2) were recruited and randomised into one of three groups: PROMED-EX (diet + exercise; n = 34), PROMED (diet only; n = 35) and Standard Care (control; n = 36).After 3-months, the MNA score improved in both PROMED-EX and PROMED intervention groups compared with the control group by on average 2.6 points (95% CI 1.1, 4.1; P<0.01) and 2.2 points (95% CI 0.8, 3.7; P<0.01) respectively; after adjusting for baseline MNA. Similarly, the mean 3-month increase in diet quality score was +4.0 (95% CI 3.1, 5.0); +4.6 (95% CI 3.7, 5.4) points in PROMEDEX and PROMED respectively; P<0.001, versus Control.No between group changes in energy intake were detected, however protein and selected micronutrient intakes improved in the intervention groups. Compared to the control group, the between-group difference in mean protein intake was +21.4g/day (95% CI 9.8, 32.9) in PROMED (P<0.001) and +9.0g/day (95% CI -3.1, 21.0) in PROMED-EX (P>0.05). There was significantly greater improvement in dietary fibre, selenium, iron and vitamin D intakes in both interventions relative to Control (all P<0.001).This 3-month analysis demonstrates the positive effects of the PROMED-EX and PROMED interventions on nutritional status and diet quality, as well as improvement in selected nutrients in older adults vulnerable to both undernutrition and cognitive decline.

Dietary vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) modulates growth, digestive enzymes, histopathology, and vulnerability of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus to Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital function in several biological processes, and fish cannot synthesize it to meet their requirement. So, 56-day research was conducted to examine the influence of vitamin E (vit-E) (α-tocopherol acetate) on the Nile tilapia's growth, digestive enzymes, hematology, histology, and susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 450 mono-sex Acclimated Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were haphazardly dispersed into 30 aquaria, each with a capacity of 100 liters (15 fish/aquarium) to exemplify five groups with six replicates. A control diet (30 % protein) was enriched with 0.0 (E0), 150 (E150), 300 (E300), 600 (E600), and 1200 (E1200) mg/kg feed. Fish (13.5 ± 0.12 g) were given the trial diets until obvious satiation thrice daily for 56 days. At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance, digestive enzymes, hematology, and histology for the mid-intestine were examined. Subsequently, twenty fish from each treatment were challenged to contagion with Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria, and fish mortality was recorded for a further 14 days. At the end of the bacterial challenge, histology for the mid-intestine, liver, and spleen tissues was examined. Growth performance, feed utilization, and digestive enzyme secretion (proteases, lipase, and α-amylase) were substantially (P < 0.5) improved with raising vit-E levels in fish feeds up to E1200. Increasing the vit-E doses improved fish gut histomorphology by increasing the count and size of intestinal folds bordered by well-arranged enterocytes. The body composition was not influenced by dietary vitamin E, except lipid content, which increased substantially as vitamin E levels increased. Fish fed with vita-E enriched diets had higher resistance to A. hydrophila infection; however, the control group exhibited the greatest fish mortality rate (80 %), while the lowest rate was observed at E1200 (30 %). Hepatic and spleen tissues in the control group (E0) showed severe congestion and degeneration, whereas vit-E-treated fish groups progressively recovered normal histomorphology depending on the vit-E doses. Finally, this research recommends feeding Nile tilapia on vit-E, particularly 1200 mg/kg feed, to enhance its performance, welfare status, and resistance to A. hydrophila contagion.

Dietary stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) improves carotenoids content in laying hen egg yolk

ABSTRACT 1. This study assessed the addition of dried stinging nettle (SN) leaves at 0%, 2.5% and 5.0% in feed on egg production, egg quality, chemical composition and antioxidant content in eggs from laying hens. 2. Seventy-two Hy-Line Brown laying hens, housed in 36 enriched layer cages, were used in the study from 43 to 47 weeks of age. Feeding dry SN leaves did not affect (p > 0.05) egg production variables. 3. Dietary SN inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.001) carotenoid content more than six-fold, in addition to yellowness and redness of the yolks at the maximum inclusion. Providing eggs from hens fed carotenoid enriched diets, e.g. SN, may be used to increase carotenoids in human diets.

Dietary niacin supplementation improves meat quality, muscle fiber type, and mitochondrial function in heat-stressed Taihe black-bone silky fowls.

A recent study has shown that niacin supplementation induces the conversion of type II to type I muscle fibres, thereby promoting a phenotypic shift in oxidative metabolism in porcine skeletal muscle. These effects may be mediated by modulation of the AMPK1/SIRT1 pathway, which activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a key regulator of fibre conversion, thereby promoting skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and myofibre conversion. In this study, we explored how niacin (NA) supplementation impacts the quality of meat and the characteristics of muscle fibers in Taihe Black-bone Silky Fowls (TBsf) exposed to heat conditions. Chickens were rationally assigned to five different treatment groups with five replicates of six chickens each: thermophilic (TN), heat stress (HS) and HS + NA (HN) groups, with the HN group being supplemented with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg (HS + NA0.02, HS + NA0.04 and HS + NA0.08) NA in the premix, respectively. The results of the experiment showed that addition of 800 mg/kg NA to the diet significantly improved TBsf muscle tenderness compared to HS. Dietary enrichment with 200-800 mg/kg NA significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde compared to HS. Incorporation of 200-800 mg/kg NA into the diet significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity and myosin heavy chain (MyHC-IIB) gene expression. Furthermore, adding 800 mg/kg NA can significantly enhance the mRNA expression of mitochondrial transcription factors (TFAM and TFB1M) in TBsf skeletal muscle. Adding 400 and 800 mg/kg of NA significantly increased the mRNA expression of AMP-activated protein kinase 1 (AMPK1), PGC-1α, cytochrome c oxidase (Cytc), and nuclear respiratory factor (NRF-1) in the skeletal muscle of TBsf. Supplementing NA at 200-400 mg/kg significantly increased the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA in TBsf skeletal muscle. The experimental results showed that the addition of NA to the diet reduced the shear force of TBsf muscle under heat exposure conditions. It increased the proportion of type I muscle fibres by increasing the antioxidant capacity of the muscle and by promoting mitochondr fibreial biogenesis. Considering the results of this study, it is recommended that TBsf be supplemented with 400-800 mg/kg of NA in the diet to reduce the adverse effects of heat stress on meat quality.

Dietary EPA and DHA enrichment of a high fat diet during doxorubicin-based chemotherapy attenuated neuroinflammatory gene expression in the brain of C57bl/6 ovariectomized mice

Chemotherapy agents in breast cancer are associated with chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCI). Mechanisms are not fully clear, but alterations of glucose and lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may contribute to CRCI. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of a high fat (HF) diet combined with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy on glucose and lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in mice. Additionally, we examined the therapeutic potential of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to attenuate these effects. Female C57Bl/6 mice (n = 42) were fed HF, HFn-3 (2 % kcals as EPA + DHA) or Low Fat (LF) diets for seven weeks, with and without chemotherapy. In this study, two chemotherapy injections led to weight and body fat loss associated with a decrease in insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR. HOMA-IR was significantly greater in HF versus LF groups; but HOMA-IR in HFn-3 group did not significantly differ from either HF or LF groups. Chemotherapy resulted in higher brain concentrations of the inflammatory chemokine KC/GRO. Compared to LF diet plus chemotherapy, HF diet plus chemotherapy upregulated multiple genes involved in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration pathways. HFn-3 diet plus chemotherapy attenuated gene expression by downregulating multiple genes involved in neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier regulation, including Mapkapk2, Aqp4, and s100b, and upregulating Kcnb1 and Atxn3, genes involved in reduction of oxidative stress and anxiety, respectively. Overall, a HF diet combined with chemotherapy is associated with neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative gene expression changes in this mouse model; dietary enrichment of EPA and DHA attenuated these effects. Further studies are needed to understand how diet impacts behavioral outcomes of CRCI.

The effect of dietary omega-6 fatty acid enrichment in rodent models of military-relevant acute traumatic psychological stress and traumatic brain injury

The effect of dietary omega-6 fatty acid enrichment in rodent models of military-relevant acute traumatic psychological stress and traumatic brain injury

Undernutrition, cognitive decline and dementia: The collaborative PROMED-COG pooled cohorts study

Background & aimsUndernutrition may negatively impact cognitive function, but evidence of this relationship is not yet consolidated. Under the “PROtein enriched MEDiterranean diet to combat undernutrition and promote healthy neuroCOGnitive ageing” (PROMED-COG) project, we evaluated the association between undernutrition, and cognitive decline and incident dementia in older adults. MethodsRetrospective data harmonization was performed on three Italian population-based studies: the Italian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ILSA), the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.), and the Bollate Eye Study-Follow-Up (BEST-FU). The associations between undernutrition, operationalized using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, and decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or dementia incidence follow-up were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard regression models. ResultsThe pooled cohort comprised 9071 individuals (52% females) aged between 42 and 101 years. The prevalence of undernutrition at the baseline was 14.3%, significantly higher among females (15.4% vs 13%) and in older age, ranging from 3.5% in those aged <60 years to 28.8% in those 85+ years. Undernutrition was associated with both cognitive decline over a median 8.3-year follow-up (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.20, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.02–1.41, p = 0.028) and incidence of dementia over a median 8.6-year follow-up (HR = 1.57, 95%CI 1.01–2.43, p = 0.046). For cognitive decline, the association with undernutrition was more marked in males than females (HR = 1.36, 95%CI 1.05–1.77, p = 0.019 vs HR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.89–1.36, p = 0.375). ConclusionUndernutrition is prevalent among older people and is associated with an increased risk of experiencing cognitive decline and dementia. The prevention and early identification of undernutrition could be an important nonpharmacologic strategy to counteract neurodegeneration.

Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) on Blood Pressure Changes in Growing Mice between Ages of 5 and 30 Weeks

Dietary hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) reduces blood pressure in adults and animal models of hypertension; however, whether hempseed consumption throughout early life reduces adult blood pressure is not known. This study tested the hypothesis that hempseed enrichment versus a control diet modifies the age-dependent pattern of blood pressure changes in growing female C57BL/6 mice and results in lower adult blood pressure. From ages 5 to 30 weeks, early post-weaning to mid-adulthood, mice were fed either a control AIN-93G (0%), 50 g/kg (5%), or 150 g/kg (15%) hempseed-supplemented diet (n = 8 per group). Biweekly measurements of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were collected using the tail-cuff method. Mice fed 5% or 15% hempseed versus the control diet exhibited no significant differences in systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial blood pressure (repeated measures ANOVA main effect of diet, p &gt; 0.05). Blood pressure did not differ significantly between diet groups in adulthood (p &gt; 0.05). However, mice fed a control or 5% hempseed, but not 15% hempseed, diet exhibited blood pressure changes across age marked by significant increases during early adulthood (weeks 11–17) versus early post-weaning (week 5) (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, long-term dietary hempseed enrichment at 5% and 15% concentrations during development does not reduce adult blood pressure, but a 15% dose blunts the temporary increase in blood pressure during early adulthood seen in mice fed a control diet.

Low sucrose diets protect long-term memory and EPA & DHA enriched diets alter insulin resistance in a mouse model of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and affective symptoms negatively impact quality of life in breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of high eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) and low sucrose diets to alleviate these symptoms in a mouse model of chemotherapy. Potential mechanisms involving insulin resistance were explored. We hypothesized that diets enriched in EPA+DHA and low amounts of sucrose would protect against the impact of chemotherapy on measures of CRCI. Female C57Bl/6 mice were randomized to 1 of 4 diets (2% kcal eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid [EPA+DHA]/high or low sucrose, low omega-3/high or low sucrose) for 6 weeks and treated with two injections of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy or vehicle during week 2 and 4. Behavioral tests were performed 7 days after second injection. Chemotherapy increased serum insulin and decreased body weight, locomotion and exploratory behavior (all p < .05). Low sucrose consumption resulted in better long-term memory regardless of chemotherapy or vehicle injection (p < .05). 2% EPA+DHA consumption lessened insulin resistance (p < .05); however, controlling for body weight attenuated this effect (p = .08). There were no significant differences by diet or injection on liver lipid content; however, liver lipid content was positively correlated with insulin resistance scores (p < .05). Low sucrose diets may protect long-term memory during chemotherapy. The effect of EPA+DHA on insulin resistance and affective side effects during chemotherapy requires further investigation.

Chemical Characterization and Beneficial Effects of Walnut Oil on a Drosophila melanogaster Model of Parkinson's Disease.

A nutritional approach could be a promising strategy to prevent or decrease the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuroprotective role of walnut oil (WO) was investigated in Drosophila melanogaster treated with rotenone (Rot), as a PD model, WO, or their combination, and compared to controls. WO reduced mortality and improved locomotor activity impairment after 3 and 7 days, induced by Rot. LC-MS analyses of fatty acid levels in Drosophila heads showed a significant increase in linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) both in flies fed with the WO-enriched diet and in those treated with the association of WO with Rot. Flies supplemented with the WO diet showed an increase in brain dopamine (DA) level, while Rot treatment significantly depleted dopamine content; conversely, the association of Rot with WO did not modify DA content compared to controls. The greater intake of ALA and LA in the enriched diet enhanced their levels in Drosophila brain, suggesting a neuroprotective role of polyunsaturated fatty acids against Rot-induced neurotoxicity. The involvement of the dopaminergic system in the improvement of behavioral and biochemical parameters in Drosophila fed with WO is also suggested.

Oral nicotinamide provides robust, dose-dependent structural and metabolic neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in experimental glaucoma

A compromised capacity to maintain NAD pools is recognized as a key underlying pathophysiological feature of neurodegenerative diseases. NAD acts as a substrate in major cell functions including mitochondrial homeostasis, cell signalling, axonal transport, axon/Wallerian degeneration, and neuronal energy supply. Dendritic degeneration is an early marker of neuronal stress and precedes cell loss. However, little is known about dendritic structural preservation in pathologic environments and remodelling in mature neurons. Retinal ganglion cell dendritic atrophy is an early pathological feature in animal models of the disease and has been demonstrated in port-mortem human glaucoma samples. Here we report that a nicotinamide (a precursor to NAD through the NAD salvage pathway) enriched diet provides robust retinal ganglion cell dendritic protection and preserves dendritic structure in a rat model of experimental glaucoma. Metabolomic analysis of optic nerve samples from the same animals demonstrates that nicotinamide provides robust metabolic neuroprotection in glaucoma. Advances in our understanding of retinal ganglion cell metabolic profiles shed light on the energetic shift that triggers early neuronal changes in neurodegenerative diseases. As nicotinamide can improve visual function short term in existing glaucoma patients, we hypothesize that a portion of this visual recovery may be due to dendritic preservation in stressed, but not yet fully degenerated, retinal ganglion cells.