Effect Of Diet Research Articles

A ketogenic diet enhances fluconazole efficacy in murine models of systemic fungal infection.

Invasive fungal infections are a significant public health concern, with mortality rates ranging from 20% to 85% despite current treatments. Therefore, we examined whether a ketogenic diet could serve as a successful treatment intervention in murine models of Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans infection in combination with fluconazole-a low-cost, readily available antifungal therapy. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that promotes fatty acid oxidation as an alternative to glycolysis through the production of ketone bodies. In this series of experiments, mice fed a ketogenic diet prior to infection with C. neoformans and treated with fluconazole had a significant decrease in fungal burden in both the brain (mean 2.66 ± 0.289 log10 reduction) and lung (mean 1.72 ± 0.399 log10 reduction) compared to fluconazole treatment on a conventional diet. During C. albicans infection, kidney fungal burden of mice in the keto-fluconazole combination group was significantly decreased compared to fluconazole alone (2.37 ± 0.770 log10-reduction). Along with higher concentrations of fluconazole in the plasma and brain tissue, fluconazole efficacy was maximized at a significantly lower concentration on a keto diet compared to a conventional diet, indicating a dramatic effect on fluconazole pharmacodynamics. Our findings indicate that a ketogenic diet potentiates the effect of fluconazole at multiple body sites during both C. neoformans and C. albicans infection and could have practical and promising treatment implications.IMPORTANCEInvasive fungal infections cause over 2.5 million deaths per year around the world. Treatments for fungal infections are limited, and there is a significant need to develop strategies to enhance antifungal efficacy, combat antifungal resistance, and mitigate treatment side effects. We determined that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet significantly potentiated the therapeutic effect of fluconazole, which resulted in a substantial decrease in tissue fungal burden of both C. neoformans and C. albicans in experimental animal models. We believe this work is the first of its kind to demonstrate that diet can dramatically influence the treatment of fungal infections. These results highlight a novel strategy of antifungal drug enhancement and emphasize the need for future investigation into dietary effects on antifungal drug activity.

Nutritional Quality Implications: Exploring the Impact of a Fatty Acid-Rich Diet on Central Nervous System Development.

Given the comprehensive examination of the role of fatty acid-rich diets in central nervous system development in children, this study bridges significant gaps in the understanding of dietary effects on neurodevelopment. It delves into the essential functions of fatty acids in neurodevelopment, including their contributions to neuronal membrane formation, neuroinflammatory modulation, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Despite the acknowledged importance of these nutrients, this review reveals a lack of comprehensive synthesis in current research, particularly regarding the broader spectrum of fatty acids and their optimal levels throughout childhood. By consolidating the existing knowledge and highlighting critical research gaps, such as the effects of fatty acid metabolism on neurodevelopmental disorders and the need for age-specific dietary guidelines, this study sets a foundation for future studies. This underscores the potential of nutritional strategies to significantly influence neurodevelopmental trajectories, advocating an enriched academic and clinical understanding that can inform dietary recommendations and interventions aimed at optimizing neurological health from infancy.

Genetic risk accentuates dietary effects on hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in a population-based cohort

Steatotic liver disease (SLD), characterized by elevated liver fat content (LFC), is influenced by genetics and diet. However, whether diet has a differential effect based on genetic risk is not well-characterized. We aimed to determine how genetic factors interact with diet to affect SLD in a large national biobank. We included UK Biobank participants with dietary intake measured by 24-hour recall and genotyping. The primary predictors were dietary pattern, PNPLA3-rs738409-G, TM6SF2-rs58542926-T, a 16-variant hepatic steatosis polygenic risk score (PRS), and gene-environment interactions. The primary outcome was LFC, and secondary outcomes were iron-controlled T1 time (cT1, a measure of liver inflammation and fibrosis) and liver-related events/mortality. A total of 21,619 participants met inclusion criteria. In non-interaction models, Mediterranean diet and intake of fruit/vegetables/legumes and fish associated with lower LFC, while higher red/processed meat intake and all genetic predictors associated with higher LFC. In interaction models, all genetic predictors interacted with Mediterranean diet and fruit/vegetable/legume intake, while the steatosis PRS interacted with fish intake and the TM6SF2 genotype interacted with red/processed meat intake, to affect LFC. Dietary effects on LFC were up to 3.8-fold higher in PNPLA3-rs738409-GG vs. -CC individuals, and 1.4-3.0-fold higher in the top vs. bottom quartile of the steatosis PRS. Gene-diet interactions were stronger in participants with vs. without overweight. The steatosis PRS interacted with Mediterranean diet and fruit/vegetable/legume intake to affect cT1 and most dietary and genetic predictors associated with risk of liver-related events or mortality by age70. Effects of diet on LFC and cT1 were markedly accentuated in patients at increased genetic risk for SLD, implying dietary interventions may be more impactful in these populations. Genetic variants and diet both influence risk of hepatic steatosis, inflammation/fibrosis, and hepatic decompensation; however, how gene-diet interactions influence these outcomes has previously not been comprehensively characterized. We investigated this topic in the community-based UK Biobank and found that genetic risk and dietary quality interacted to influence hepatic steatosis and inflammation/fibrosis on liver MRI, so that the effects of diet were greater in people at elevated genetic risk. These results are relevant for patients and medical providers because they show that genetic risk is not fixed (i.e. modifiable factors can mitigate or exacerbate this risk) and realistic dietary changes may result in meaningful improvement in liver steatosis and inflammation/fibrosis. As genotyping becomes more routinely used in clinical practice, patients identified to be at high baseline genetic risk may benefit even more from intensive dietary counseling than those at lower risk, though future prospective studies are required.

Pasture feeding improves the nutritional, textural, and techno-functional characteristics of butter

There is an increasing consumer desire for pasture-derived dairy products, as outdoor pasture-based feeding systems are perceived as a natural environment for animals. Despite this, the number of grazing animals globally has declined as a result of the higher milk yields achieved by indoor TMR feeding systems, in addition to the changing climatic conditions and lower grazing knowledge and infrastructure. This has led to the development of pasture-fed standards, stipulating the necessity of pasture and its minimum requirements as the primary feed source for products advertising such claims, with various requirements depending on the region for which it was produced. This work investigates the differences in the composition and techno-functional properties of butters produced from high, medium and no pasture allowance diets during early, mid, and late lactation. Butters were produced using milks collected from 3 feeding systems: outdoor pasture grazing (high pasture allowance); indoor TMR (no pasture allowance); and a partial mixed ration (medium pasture allowance) system, which involved outdoor pasture grazing during the day and indoor TMR feeding at night. Butters were manufactured during early, mid, and late lactation. Creams derived from TMR feeding systems exhibited the highest milk fat globule size. The fatty acid profiles of butters also differed significantly as a function of diet and could be readily discriminated by partial least squares analysis. The most important fatty acids in such an analysis, as indicated by their highest variable importance projection scores, were CLA C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 (rumenic acid), C16:1n-7 trans (trans-palmitoleic acid), C18:1 trans (elaidic acid), C18:3n-3 (α-linolenic acid), and C18:2n-6 (linoleic acid). Increasing pasture allowances resulted in reduced crystallization temperatures and hardness of butters and concurrently increasing the "yellow" color. Yellow color was strongly correlated with Raman peaks commonly associated with carotenoids. The milk fat globule size of cream decreased with advancing stage of lactation and churning time of cream was lowest in early lactation. Differences in the fatty acid and triglyceride contents of butter as a result of lactation and dietary effects demonstrated significant correlations with the hardness, rheological, melting, and crystallization profiles of the butters. This work highlighted the improved nutritional profile and functional properties of butter with increasing dietary pasture allowance, primarily as a result of increasing proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. Biomarkers of pasture feeding (response in milk proportionate to the pasture allowance) associated with the pasture-fed status of butters were also identified as a result of the significant changes in the fatty acid profile with increasing pasture allowance. This was achieved through the use of 3 authentic feeding systems with varying pasture allowances, commonly operated by farmers around the world and conducted across 3 stages of lactation.

Metabolic mechanism of dietary factors and effect of dietary types associated with hyperuricemia: A review

Metabolic mechanism of dietary factors and effect of dietary types associated with hyperuricemia: A review

Sodium butyrate supplementation in two-level fishmeal diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): growth performance, immunological responses, and intestinal investigation

Abstract The dietary effect of sodium butyrate, Butirex®C4 (NaBT), on some physiological and immunological responses, as well as carcass and fillet quality were studied in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (initial body weight, 16.63±0.10 g; mean ± SE) fed two-level fishmeal (FM) diets. Six experimental diets were formulated to include two levels of FM (15% and 30%) and supplemented with incremental levels of NaBT (0%, 0.25%, and 0.5%). An improvement in growth performance was obtained in fish fed diet containing 0.5% NaBT+30% FM. Dietary NaBT inclusion significantly increased the digestive enzyme activity of fish compared to those without a NaBT diet. The highest immune parameters for mucus and serum were observed in fish fed with 0.25% NaBT+30% FM and 0% NaBT+30% FM diets, respectively. Fish fed diets containing 0.5% NaBT+15% FM and 0.25% NaBT+30% FM had significantly higher antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx)) in comparison to other groups. At selected NaBT levels, fish fed with FM (15% and 30%) showed higher bactericidal activity in comparison to group fed diet without NaBT supplementation. Based on the results of the intestine microflora, the highest gastrointestinal tract (GIT) total count and GIT lactic acid count were observed in groups included with 0% NaBT+15% FM and 0.5% NaBT+30% FM. Fish fed diets containing 0.5% NaBT+15% and 30% FM showed improvement in fillet quality in comparison to other groups. In conclusion, dietary NaBT supplementation, especially at the inclusion level of 0.5%, can improve physiological and immunological responses and reduce the adverse effects of the diets with the lower FM in rainbow trout.

Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder as a Potential Immunomodulator in Labeo rohita: Enhanced Hematological, Adaptive, and Humoral Responses against Bacterial Pathogens and Concordant Liver Histomorphology.

This study investigated the dietary immunomodulatory effects of Terminalia arjuna bark powder (TABP) in Labeo rohita, a freshwater fish model. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets containing graded levels of TABP (0, 1, 10, and 15 g/kg were fed to fish for 90 days, followed by a 10 day challenge with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach assessed the impact of TABP on hematological, adaptive, and humoral immune parameters, along with liver histomorphology. Dietary TABP at 10 g/kg significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) hematological indices (hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit), specific immune parameters (lysosomal enzyme activity, phagocytosis, respiratory burst), and non-specific immune parameters (serum lysozyme, alternative complement activity), and exhibited improvements in liver architecture consistent with the enhanced immune response. Broken line regression analysis showed 11.5 g/kg to be an optimum dose. However, at 15 g/kg, a compromised trend was observed in some parameters. These findings suggest an optimal dosage range for TABP's immunomodulatory effects. The study highlights the potential of TABP as a natural immunomodulator in fish aquaculture. The improved immune response and concomitant liver health observed in Labeo rohita opens avenues for further research on TABP's applicability in animal health, using fish as a model organism. Additionally, the IBR approach proved effective in evaluating TABP's immunomodulatory properties, paving the way for similar studies on other natural products in aquaculture.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits fed concentrate diets containing graded levels of Brassica oleracea outer leaves and Musa paradisiaca leaves

Ninety-six (96) 8-wk-old “mixed breed” of New Zealand white, California white and chinchilla rabbits were used to determine the growth performance, carcass and organ percentages of rabbits fed concentrate diets containing graded levels of Brassica oleracea outer leaves and Musa paradisiaca leaves. The rabbits were assigned to two groups of 48. Those in group 1 were allotted to four dietary treatments with concentrate diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% inclusion levels of B. oleracea outer leaves for one week and 12-wk adaptation and testing periods, respectively, for growth performance evaluation. Similar treatment and design were adopted for group 2 rabbits using graded levels of M. paradisiaca leaves. Six rabbits were randomly selected from each treatment group for slaughter at the end of the testing period for carcass and internal organ characteristics evaluation. There were no dietary effects on the parameters of rabbits fed graded levels of B. oleracea outer leaves except for M. paradisiaca, where the control diet had the lowest feed intake and the least (P&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio comparable to 30% inclusion level and final body weight, which was the highest (P&lt;0.05) for rabbits fed diets containing 10 and 20% inclusion levels of M. paradisiaca leaves. The cost of feed was highest for the control diets, and reduced with increasing inclusion levels of the leaves in the diets. None of the rabbits died during the experimental period. The findings suggest that rabbits can be fed concentrate diets containing B. oleracea outer leaves and M. paradisiaca leaves up to 30% inclusion level for good growth performance and high carcass characteristics at a lower production cost than concentrate diets, while maintaining good health.

Evaluation of different probiotics on growth, body composition, antioxidant capacity, and histoarchitecture of Mugil capito

We investigated the dietary effects of the single application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and their combination on growth, proximate composition of whole fish body, antioxidant defense, and histoarchitecture of hapa-reared Mugil capito. Healthy fish (Fish weighed = 10.30 ± 0.10 g at first) were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups, each with three replicates. These groups were designed as follows: (1) a group fed a basal diet without probiotics (control), (2) a group fed a diet containing S. cerevisiae (4 g/kg diet), (3) a group fed a diet containing L. bulgaricus (2 g/kg diet), and (4) the last group fed a diet containing a combination of both, all for a duration of 60 days. Probiotic-treated groups showed significantly better growth and nutrition utilization than the control group. Significant differences were observed in the crude fat and crude protein contents among the groups, with the combination group exhibiting the highest levels. However, there were no significant variations in ash content across all groups. The highest hepatic antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities) was observed in the combination group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were decreased significantly in all probiotic groups, suggesting improved oxidative stress resilience in these groups. The histomorphological analysis of the hepatopancreatic tissues revealed well-arranged parenchyma, increased glycogen storage, and melanomacrophage centers in probiotic-treated groups, particularly the combined probiotics group. Furthermore, the probiotic supplementation improved the histoarchitecture of the intestinal villi compared to the control group. To put it briefly, combined dietary administration of these probiotics improved growth, body composition, antioxidant defenses, and hepatic and intestinal health in hapa-reared M. capito, highlighting their promising role in promoting welfare and productivity.

Ketogenic Keys to Body Composition: Nutritional Insights and Comparative Dietary Effects

Background: The ketogenic diet, characterized by high fat, low carbohydrate intake, has garnered significant interest for its impact on body composition. Despite its popularity, the mechanisms and long-term effects of the diet remain subjects of ongoing research and debate within the medical and nutritional science communities.&#x0D; Methods: This review systematically examines peer-reviewed clinical trials, observational studies, and comparative analyses conducted from 2004 to 2024. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the ketogenic diet's effects on body composition, adherence to rigorous methodological standards, and the provision of clear outcome measures related to fat mass, lean muscle mass, and overall weight changes.&#x0D; Results: The review synthesizes findings to elucidate the diet's mechanisms, effects, and comparative performance against other dietary interventions. The ketogenic diet induces metabolic adaptations conducive to fat loss while potentially preserving lean muscle mass, mediated through ketosis and associated hormonal shifts. Comparative analyses suggest that the ketogenic diet may offer distinct advantages in fat reduction compared to low-fat and Mediterranean diets, attributed to its profound effects on metabolic pathways and satiety regulation. However, individual responses vary significantly, influenced by factors such as exercise, diet duration, macronutrient composition, and genetic predispositions.&#x0D; Conclusion: The ketogenic diet emerges as a potent intervention for altering body composition, particularly effective in reducing fat mass. Its unique metabolic and hormonal effects distinguish it from other dietary approaches. Nevertheless, considerations regarding the diet's long-term sustainability, potential risks, and individual variability underscore the need for personalized dietary planning and further research.

The effects of paternal dietary fat versus sugar on offspring body composition and anxiety-related behavior

Increasing evidence suggests that the pre-conception parental environment has long-term consequences for offspring health and disease susceptibility. Though much of the work in this field concentrates on maternal influences, there is growing understanding that fathers also play a significant role in affecting offspring phenotypes. In this study, we investigate effects of altering the proportion of dietary fats and carbohydrates on paternal and offspring body composition and anxiety-related behavior in C57Bl/6-JArc mice. We show that in an isocaloric context, greater dietary fat increased body fat and reduced anxiety-like behavior of studs, whereas increased dietary sucrose had no significant effect. These dietary effects were not reflected in offspring traits, rather, we found sex-specific effects that differed between offspring body composition and behavioral traits. This finding is consistent with past paternal effect studies, where transgenerational effects have been shown to be more prominent in one sex over the other. Here, male offspring of fathers fed high-fat diets were heavier at 10 weeks of age due to increased lean body mass, whereas paternal diet had no significant effect on female offspring body fat or lean mass. In contrast, paternal dietary sugar appeared to have the strongest effects on male offspring behavior, with male offspring of high-sucrose fathers spending less time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze. Both high-fat and high-sugar paternal diets were found to reduce anxiety-like behavior of female offspring, although this effect was only evident when offspring were fed a control diet. This study provides new understanding of the ways in which diet can shape the behavior of fathers and their offspring and contribute to the development of dietary guidelines to improve obesity and mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

Influence of low-level tannin supplementation on comparative growth performance of Holstein and Angus × Holstein cross calf-fed concentrate-based finishing diets for 328 d.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of tannin and monensin supplementation in feedlot diets and breed (Holstein vs. Angus × Holstein) on growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Eighty purebred Holstein calves (HOL; initial body weight (BW) = 130 ± 5kg) and 80 Angus × Holstein calves (AXH; initial BW = 129 ± 6kg) were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to 40 pens. Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with (1) no feed additive (CON); (2) 30mg of monensin/kg of dry matter (DM; MON; Rumensin 90, Elanco, Greenfield, IN); (3) 1.5g tannin)/kg of DM (TAN; ByPro, 70% condensed tannin, SilvaFeed, Indunor, S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina); (4) M + T, the combination of MON plus TAN dietary treatments. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments, using pens as experimental units. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between feed additives and breed. Supplemental MON increased (P ≤ 0.04) initial 112-d BW and gain efficiency. However, there were no dietary treatment effects (P > 0.10) on overall growth performance. Monensin supplementation decreased (P = 0.04) minimum daily ruminal temperature compared with other dietary treatments during July, but TAN did not affect ruminal temperature. Holstein steers had greater (P = 0.04) overall DM intake compared with AXH, with no difference (P = 0.19) in overall ADG, leading to increased (P < 0.01) gain efficiency for AXH compared with HOL. Dietary net energy for maintenance and gain, based on growth performance, were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for AXH vs HOL. Compared with HOL, AXH steers had greater (P ≤ 0.01) carcass weight, dressing percentage, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, 12th rib fat thickness, longissimus area, and preliminary yield grade. Holstein steers had lower (P ≤ 0.04) minimum average ruminal temperature during June compared with AXH, with no differences (P ≥ 0.14) between breeds during July or August. Results indicate that feed additives did not appreciably affect steer growth performance and carcass characteristics, but crossbred AXH steers had greater growth performance, efficiency of dietary energy utilization, and carcass quality measures compared with HOL. This study observed a reduction (4.7%) in maintenance energy expenditure in AXH compared with HOL, implying in maintenance energy coefficient of 0.086 vs 0.082 for HOL and AXH, respectively.

Dietary effect of Dendrobium officinale leaves on chicken meat quality, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds profile

Dendrobium officinale leaves (DOL) contain many active ingredients with various pharmacological effects, but are still ineffectively utilized. To investigate the feasibility of developing DOL as a feed additive, it is necessary to determine whether dietary supplementing DOL had any effect on meat quality and flavor. Our results showed that supplementation with DOL decreased the shear force while increased the pH and fat content in breast meat. Meat from DOL-fed chickens had higher levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs, but lower n-6/n-3 ratios. Moreover, volatile compounds profile indicated that contents of aldehydes, including hexanal, pentanal, and heptanal, etc.), which were identified as the key volatile compounds in chicken meat, exhibited noteworthy rise in DOL intake groups. Octanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-pentylfuran also contributed greatly to the meat overall aroma. These data provide a foundation for the comprehensive utilization of DOL as a feed additive with antibiotic substitution potential.

Abstract 760: Alteration to transcriptional rhythmicity in mammary glands from pubertal MMTV-PyMT mice fed a high-fat diet

Abstract Biological clocks, existing in all human organ systems, cycle every 24 hours in a diurnal pattern and control the daily rhythms of human life (e.g., eating vs. fasting, sleep vs. wakefulness), which is essential for health and wellbeing. Disruption of the biological clocks, either by genetic or environmental alteration, disturbs circadian rhythms, which may lead to chronic diseases. Childhood obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer in adult women. Lifestyle changes in the modern world (e.g., energy-dense diets) serve as environmental factors that contribute to alterations in biological clocks and obesity. The present study examined transcriptional rhythmic changes in mammary glands from pubertal MMTV-PyMT mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Three-week-old female mice (FVB background) were randomly assigned into three groups - wild-type (WT) mice fed the AIN93G diet and MMTV-PyMT mice fed the AIN93G diet or an HFD for three weeks. At the end of the study, mammary glands were collected every 4 hours over a period of 24 hours (Zeitgeber time 0-24 hours) for RNA-sequencing analysis. The mammary weight was 0.45±0.02, 0.59±0.02, and 0.67±0.02 g for WT mice fed the AIN93G diet and MMTV-PyMT mice fed the AIN93G and HFD, respectively (means ± SEM, all p&amp;lt;0.05 when three groups were compared each other). The rhythmicity analysis using R showed that greater than 1,000 transcripts were classified as “loss of rhythm” when MMTV-PyMT mice (both AIN93G-fed and HFD-fed groups) were compared to WT mice fed the AIN93G diet. Eighteen transcripts were classified as “loss of rhythm” in MMTV-PyMT mice when the HFD was compared to AIN93G diet. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed differentially expressed genes that were significantly altered and KEGG enrichment analysis showed the most upregulated and downregulated metabolic pathways in treatment groups than in the control group at each time point over the 24-hour period. These findings indicates that genetic alterations may have a greater effect than dietary effects on transcriptional rhythmicity in mammary glands from pubertal mice. Citation Format: Lin Yan, Daniel G. Palmer, Huawei Zeng. Alteration to transcriptional rhythmicity in mammary glands from pubertal MMTV-PyMT mice fed a high-fat diet [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 760.

Replacing fishmeal with salmon hydrolysate reduces the expression of intestinal inflammatory markers and modulates the gut microbiota in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The feed legislation allows the use of fish protein hydrolysates in feed for the same species in which it came from, since enzymatic hydrolysis degrades the proteins and eliminates potential prions, which have caused disease in mammals, but not in fish. In this trial, we investigated the effects of partially replacing dietary fishmeal (FM) with salmon protein hydrolysate (FPH) on the intestinal gene expression and microbiota. Atlantic salmon post smolts were either fed a control diet containing 30% fishmeal (FM), a 20% FM diet with 9% salmon hydrolysate (FPH-09) or a 10% FM diet with 18% salmon hydrolysate (FPH-18), until doubling of weight. Gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing of pyloric caeca (PC), midgut (MG) and hindgut (HG) revealed a downregulation of immunological genes involved in inflammation in the intestine of FPH-18 fed salmon compared to salmon fed the FM control. The gene expression of paralogous peptide transporters (PepT) was analyzed by real time quantitative PCR in PC, anterior midgut (AMG), posterior midgut (PMG) and HG of salmon fed all the three diets. The PepT1b paralog had highest relative expression levels in PC and AMG, suggesting that PepT1b is most important for peptide uptake in the anterior intestine. PepT1a was also mainly expressed in the PC and AMG, but at lower levels than PepT1b and PepT2b in the AMG. The PepT2b paralog had high levels of expression in AMG, PMG and HG indicating that it contributed significantly to peptide uptake in the posterior part of the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota in the mucosa and digesta of the MG and HG, were dominated by the phyla Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria, but also Firmicutes were present. The only dietary effect on the microbiota was the higher prevalence of the phyla Spirochaetes in the mucosa of FPH-18 fed salmon compared to the FM fed salmon. In conclusion, replacing FM with salmon hydrolysate reduced the expression of inflammatory markers in the Atlantic salmon intestine suggesting improved health benefits. The reduced inflammation may be related to the reduced FM content, potentially bioactive peptides in the hydrolysate and/or the altered gut microbial composition.

Mitigation of extreme winter stress in European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax through dietary supplementation

Climate change is driving the dangerous confluence of extreme weather events. Among others, aquatic ecosystems are the most affected one. This study sheds light on how dietary supplements affect the physiological responses of European seabass during extreme winter exposure. Fish were provided with three dietary supplements: vitamins C and E (diet-1), propolis (diet-2), and phycocyanin (diet-3) for 45 days. They were then exposed to a simulated extreme winter cold (7 °C) for 20 days. The results showed that dietary supplements do not have a significant impact on weight, growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio before cold exposure. Levels of Na + and Cl − in the fish remained stable across all diets during both control (20 °C) and 7 °C exposure. However, on the 20th day of cold exposure, fish fed diet-3 exhibited notably higher levels of K+ compared to the other two diets, whereas blood glucose was significantly lower in fish fed diet-1. On day 20, significantly higher GPT activities were observed in fish fed diet-1. No significant effects of dietary supplementation were observed in fish serum cholesterol and protein levels. Before cold stress, fish fed the control diet exhibited significantly lower triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). However, during cold exposure, triglyceride levels increased in fish fed diet-1 and the control diet. On day 20, fish fed diet-3 exhibited a comparatively higher lactate content. Conversely, cortisol levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in fish fed diets 2 and 3 on the same day. No dietary effects were observed on fish muscle HSP70 gene expression. On days 10 and 20, SREBP1 was significantly upregulated in fish fed all diets. On day 20 of cold exposure, FADS2 and GLUT2 genes were downregulated in the fish fed control diet compared to those fed diets 2 and 3. Before cold stress, fish on the control diet showed higher TNF-1α expression in the spleen. SREBP1 showed a significant upregulation on day 10 in fish fed diet-2. FADS2 gene expression remained unchanged during cold stress. GLUT2 expression showed no noticeable effects throughout the study. Overall, during extreme cold exposure, we observed decreased levels of blood cortisol, transaminase, dehydrogenase, and metabolites, along with a comparatively higher upregulation of growth, metabolic, and immune genes in fish fed diets supplemented with propolis, phycocyanin, and vitamins C&E. These results suggest that dietary supplements can help European seabass cope better with extreme cold, at least for short periods of up to 20 days.

Dietary effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Allium sativum on growth, antioxidant status, hepatic and intestinal histoarchitecture, expression of growth- and immune-related genes, and resistance of Oreochromis niloticus to Aeromonas sobria

This study investigated the benefits of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or garlic, Allium sativum supplementation in diets of Nile tilapia with regard to growth, antioxidant status, hepatic and intestinal histoarchitecture, expression of growth- and immune-related genes, and resistance to Aeromonas sobria infection. Fish (with an initial weight of 9.43 ± 0.08 g) were allocated to twelve hapas, organized into four triplicate treatment groups defined as control (no supplementation), yeast (4 g/kg diet), garlic (30 g/kg diet), and a mixture of both. This trial continued over a 60-day feeding period. Results revealed that combined treatment (yeast + garlic) demonstrated the most promising outcomes regarding growth, with significantly higher final body weights, weight gains, and specific growth rates compared to other groups. Moreover, this combination enhanced hepatic antioxidant status, as evidenced by elevated levels of reduced glutathione and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, reflecting improved defense against oxidative stress. Histological assessments of the livers and intestines demonstrated structural enhancements in yeast and garlic treatments, suggesting improvements in organ health. In comparison to the control, the gene expression analyses unveiled increased expression of growth-related (igf-1 and ghr1) and immune-related (il-10, lyz, and hep) genes in the test groups, indicating a possible reinforcement of the growth and immune responses. The combined treatment also showed the highest resistance to A. sobria infection, as evidenced by improved survival rates and lower mortality compared with the other groups. These findings highlight the benefits of a combination of both yeast and garlic as a dietary supplementation regimen. In conclusion, this study suggests that the combined treatment regimen could be considered an effective strategy to promote the health and productivity of Nile tilapia under production conditions.

Impact of live feed substitution with formulated diets on the development, digestive capacity, biochemical composition, and rearing water quality of European lobster (Homarus gammarus, L.) larvae

The lobster aquaculture industry, constrained by limited access to viable and cost-effective feed sources, prompted an investigation into the potential of replacing live feeds with formulated diets for Homarus gammarus larval culture, exploring alternative protein ingredients. Four diets were tested on newly-hatched H. gammarus: live Artemia nauplii (ART), an extruded control diet with krill meal and fishmeal as main protein sources (CTRL), and diets with 15% of dietary protein replaced by shrimp waste meal (SWM) or black soldier fly meal (BSF).Results revealed significant diet-induced effects on digestive enzymes in H. gammarus larvae. ART-fed lobsters exhibited increased trypsin and amylase activities but lower lipase activity than those fed extruded diets, suggesting more efficient utilization of protein and carbohydrate in ART-fed larvae, while formulated diets compensated with efficient lipid utilization. BSF and SWM diets increased exo- and endochitinase activities, likely due to chitin presence. Additionally, CTRL and BSF-fed larvae exhibited elevated body glycogen content. ART-fed larvae displayed a significantly higher ratio of low DNA to high DNA bacteria in their rearing water, indicative of lower nutrient loading. Despite these diet-induced impacts, there was no dietary effect on growth and survival during H. gammarus larval development.The study suggests successful formulated feed utilization by homarid larvae, even with alternative ingredients like BSF and SWM, offering a promising solution to reduce reliance on live feeds in lobster aquaculture. Further research is crucial to assess the long-term implications of the observed physiological responses to the different diets in later life stages.

Determination of vitamin c in raw fruit and vegetable homogenates: dietary exposure and health effects of excess intake in adults and children.

The aim of the study was to determine Vitamin C content in some fruits and vegetables (FAV) including apple, banana, orange, pineapple, watermelon, carrot and cucumber, sold in the local markets in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria as well as Vitamin C content in two-component and three-component homogenates FAV. The work was also designed to investigate the dietary exposure and health effects of excess vitamin C intake in adults and children. Vitamin C as total ascorbic acid (AA) after reduction of dehydroascorbic acid was analyzed using both titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods. The titrimetric method involved iodometric back-titration while the spectrophotometric method was done at an absorbance of 530 nm. The dietary exposure was evaluated as the total FAV intake multiplied by chemical concentration in the FAV whereas the health effect of excess vitamin C intake was conducted using the hazard quotient (HQ). The results revealed that Vitamin C for single fruits ranged from 11.76 - 41.17 mg/L for spectroscopic method and 16.9 - 31.84 mg/L for titrimetric method. Fruit homogenates showed Vitamin C concentrations of 14.70 - 220.58 mg/L and 17.23 - 209.09 mg/L for two-components homogenates: 29.41-132.35 mg/L and 31.05-113.10 mg/L for tri-components homogenates for spectrophotometric and titrimetric methods respectively. The results of dietary exposure and the health effects of excess vitamin C intake showed that children are more susceptible to health issues than adults in illnesses such as nausea, gastrointestinal pains, increased kidney stones and hyperactivity. There is therefore the need for a national recommended dietary allowance for total ascorbic acid (AA) in FAV homogenates from a stakeholder point of view in Nigeria.

Dietary Effects of Fasting on the Lipid Panel.

Dietary habits, such as the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have been shown to improve cardiac health. Another more recent popular form of dieting incorporates periods of fasting known as intermittent fasting. The two main forms are alternate-day fasting and time-restricted eating. PubMed search and literature review was undertaken. This review evaluates the current literature regarding the effects of the fasting dietary model and other types of fasting upon the lipid panel. There have been studies that have shown that intermittent fasting does provide a benefit in cardiovascular health, weight loss, and hypertension. However, the effect on cholesterol and triglyceride levels during intermittent fasting is in question. The effect that fasting has on one's lipid panel is unclear, there are studies that show that different forms of fasting affect the lipid panel in various ways. There are studies that show that intermittent fasting does improve one's lipid profile and provides health benefits. Randomized controlled clinical trials with a large sample size are needed to evaluate the effects that intermittent fasting has based on race, ethnicity, gender, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetic and healthy patients, and will lead to definitive evidence of lipid panel outcomes beyond current evidence based solely upon observational cohorts with numerous and multifactorial confounding factors and biases.