High Amounts Of Fat Research Articles

Phytochemical screening, assessment of biological activity and nutritional value of Sudanese Hibiscus sabdariffa L. seeds

Medicinal plants are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives. This research aimed to conduct phytochemical screening; assess of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities; evaluate toxicity and detect the nutritional value of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. seeds. The Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. The samples were extracted using hexane and absolute ethanol respectively. The extracts were evaluated for their effectiveness against microorganisms using the disc diffusion method and the antioxidant potential was measured by the DPPH assay. The proximate analysis of seed powder and mineral composition was determined using standard procedures. Toxicity was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality test and the LD50 was calculated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, while tannins and anthraquinones were not detected. Generally, the hexane extract showed higher antibacterial activity than the ethanolic extract against 4 bacteria. Both extracts exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans ranging from 12-17 mm. The hexane extract showed higher antioxidant activity than the ethanolic extract (60 % and 47 % respectively). Both extracts were non-toxic against brine shrimps, suggesting that they are safe for medicinal use. The results of the proximate analysis showed that the seeds contain high amounts of fat (34.19 %) and protein (33.25 %). The seeds of H. sabdariffa contained considerable amounts of some important elements, while lead was not detected. The findings of this study revealed that H. sabdariffa seeds are a rich source of secondary metabolites and nutritional value and could be used for pharmaceutical preparation and drug development.

O-287 Body composition analysis and metabolic monitoring before fertility treatment: hype or hope?

Abstract The effect of body mass index on both spontaneous and assisted fertility is well known: both lower and high indexes are correlated with negative outcome including live birth rate. Asides the dysmetabolic infertility that can develop by inflammation, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia, psychological and social factors deserve attention: a sexual self-image dysfunction is present in up to 20% of obese people with lower sexual desire and arousal. A positive note is that ART patients want to know about the impact of diet on fertility and ART success, asides the safety of the treatment and coping strategies, when asked about research priorities. Nevertheless, research in the field of preconception weight loss in the case of obesity in non-conclusive. The difference may lay in the strategy followed: lifestyle interventions may differ in approach, new weight-losing drugs might be involved or avoided, and targets and endpoints differ between studies. A first statement is to be made: body weight is a parameter of the past. In the world of nutrition, BMI is used to describe populations but fails to give accurate information about a single person. Body composition is more refined and can be used in follow-up. Asides dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), Bio Electrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) is used to endotype patients. Magnetic Resonance Imaging can, in a whole-body approach, provides very detailed information. In general, fat mass, fat free mass, phase angle (quantitative information) and fat infiltration of muscle (qualitative aspect) are considered ‘the kg of the future’. Associations between higher amounts of fat and poorer ART outcomes are published. As body composition is the result of food intake balanced to total energy expenditure (composed from basal energy expenditure, diet induced thermogenesis and physical activity level), the knowledge of these aspects can form a basis for a personalized approach. Techniques used in clinical practice relevant to this topic are food diary analysis by specialized dietitians (quantitative and qualitative analysis of food intake) and indirect calorimetry. This device will measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production and calculate the basal metabolic rate in kcal/day. The concept of nutrition intake balanced to energy expenditure is validated in critically ill patients where it reduces mortality. It also showed benefit in a cancer population during active treatment. In a tertiary, university hospital in Brussels, Belgium, the forces of the fertility clinic and the nutrition department were combined: FerMet (Fertility-Metabolism). Patients seeking ART with a BMI <18;5 or higher than 30 are directed. Biophysical endotyping is performed by both metabolic screening, food intake analysis and baseline testing: body composition by BIVA and metabolic measurement by indirect calorimetry. A personalized intervention plan is developed in co-operation with the patient(s) by the dietitian and the supervising MD. Psychological reference or physical activity coaching is initiated if needed. Interim results: a total of 3793 men and woman in 3,5 years. In the population with a BMI below 20, which is only 6.4% of the entire group, body composition analysis reveals: only 9% are confirmed with alarmingly low body fat mass, such as seen in eating disorders. 23% has a fat mass percentage comparable to the general population and 66% represents what is known as ‘constitutional lean’. This might open opportunities to refine criteria to withhold ART based on body weight. In the overweight population, interventions can be tailored on individual metabolic rates and eating patterns, which is unique in the setting of ART. Whole Body MRi can be used in research settings. Benefits of this Biophysical Endotype based interventions to increase fertility outcomes need to be proven by further research.

Fat and fatty acid composition of selected regular and healthy fast foods in Amman, Jordan

Fast food is a food that is timely and easily prepared and consumed. Generally, it is made of cheap and low nutritional value ingredients. The aim of this study is to determine the fat and the fatty acid composition of regular and healthy fast foods in Amman, Jordan. Thirty-six samples of different fast-food items were collected from three regular fast-food restaurants. Twelve samples were bought from a healthy fast-food restaurant. The results showed that the highest fat content among regular samples was in chicken burger (CB) 12.022% but it was the lowest in turkey sandwich (T) 5.13%. Total fat was lower in healthy items. The highest amount of fat was in healthy chicken pizza (IPH) 6.62%, while baked potato (BP) showed the lowest fat content (0.27%). Halloumi sandwich (H) recorded the greatest level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) 67.01%, yet the lowest was in beef shawarma (BS) 28.30%. Healthy halloumi (HH) recorded the greatest level of SFA (69.45%) where it was the lowest in BP (20.60%). The greatest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content was in BS (42.88%), however its lowest content was in cheese pizza (EP) 26.31%. The highest content of MUFA was in healthy chicken fajita (HCF) 55.33% while its lowest was in HH (27.24%). The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content was recorded by chicken shawarma (CS) 34.45% where it was the lowest in H (5.29%). The highest PUFA content was in samples containing meat. The greatest PUFA content was recorded in healthy turkey (HT) 38.01%, whereas it was the lowest in HH (5.20%). The highest level of trans fatty acids (TFA) was observed in French fries (FF) (0.72%), while its lowest amount was in chicken burger (CB) (0.12%). The highest TFA level was in HT (0.86%) while its lowest amount was in BP (0.11%). The ω-6/ω-3 in regular samples was from 5:1 for (CS) to 36:1 for (FF). Nevertheless, ω-6/ω-3 ranged from 1:1 to 22:1 for healthy beef quesadilla (HBQ) and HH in healthy samples. It was found that ω-6/ω-3 in healthy samples was lower than regular ones. The PUFA/SFA ranged 0.08 - 1.25 for H and BS. Whereas, the PUFA/SFA ranged 0.07 - 1.59 for HH and BP in healthy samples. Among the regular samples, the highest atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) were in H (2.54 and 3.06). The lowest AI and TI were in BS (0.47) and CS (0.54). The highest AI and TI were in HH (2.91 and 3.46) in healthy samples, whereas the lowest AI and TI were in BP 0.26 and 0.49. Key words: Jordan, fast-food, regular, healthy, fat content, fatty acid composition

A new perspective on obesity: perception of fat taste and its relationship with obesity.

Obesity, which results from a long-term positive energy balance, is affected by many factors, especially nutrition. The sensory properties of foods are associated with increased food intake through hedonic appetite. Taste perception, a component of flavor, is also responsible for increased consumption, through reward and hedonic mechanisms. Foods with high fat and energy content are among the foods that create the reward perception. The perception of fat taste, the primary taste that has recently entered the literature, may also be associated with increased food consumption and body weight. Therefore, in this review, the relationship between fat taste and obesity is examined, using the latest literature. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding the mechanism of the relationship between fat-taste perception and obesity, such as hedonic appetite, microbiota, decreased taste perception, and increased taste threshold level. In addition, some studies examining this relationship reported significant associations between the level of fat-taste perception and obesity, whereas others did not find a significant difference. Considering the prevalence and contribution to obesity of Western-style nutrition, characterized by high amounts of fat and sugar consumption, elucidating this relationship may be an essential solution for preventing and treating obesity.

Development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with gut microbiota but not with oxysterol enzymes CH25H, EBI2, or CYP7B1 in mice

Liver steatosis is the most frequent liver disorder and its advanced stage, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), will soon become the main reason for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The “multiple hits hypothesis” suggests that progression from simple steatosis to NASH is triggered by multiple factors including the gut microbiota composition. The Epstein Barr virus induced gene 2 (EBI2) is a receptor for the oxysterol 7a, 25-dihydroxycholesterol synthesized by the enzymes CH25H and CYP7B1. EBI2 and its ligand control activation of immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs and the gut. Here we show a concurrent study of the microbial dysregulation and perturbation of the EBI2 axis in a mice model of NASH.We used mice with wildtype, or littermates with CH25H−/−, EBI2−/−, or CYP7B1−/− genotypes fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) containing high amounts of fat, cholesterol, and fructose for 20 weeks to induce liver steatosis and NASH. Fecal and small intestinal microbiota samples were collected, and microbiota signatures were compared according to genotype and NASH disease state.We found pronounced differences in microbiota composition of mice with HFD developing NASH compared to mice did not developing NASH. In mice with NASH, we identified significantly increased 33 taxa mainly belonging to the Clostridiales order and/ or the family, and significantly decreased 17 taxa. Using an Elastic Net algorithm, we suggest a microbiota signature that predicts NASH in animals with a HFD from the microbiota composition with moderate accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristics curve = 0.64). In contrast, no microbiota differences regarding the studied genotypes (wildtype vs knock-out CH25H−/−, EBI2−/−, or CYP7B1−/−) were observed.In conclusion, our data confirm previous studies identifying the intestinal microbiota composition as a relevant marker for NASH pathogenesis. Further, no link of the EBI2 – oxysterol axis to the intestinal microbiota was detectable in the current study.

Correlation between subcutaneous adipose tissue of the head and body mass index in children and young adults aged 8-19 years: implications for functional neuroimaging.

High body mass index (BMI) is presumed to signify high amounts of fat (subcutaneous adipose tissue) distributed across the body. High amounts of fat co-occurring with increased BMI has been cited as a potential neuroimaging barrier. Presence of increased fat may result in high electrical impedance and increased light diffusion-resulting in low signal to noise ratios during electroencepholography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) measurements. Examining if subcutaneous fat in the head increases with respect to total body fat percentage and BMI in school-aged children and adolescents is an essential next step in developing possible mathematical corrections for neuroimaging modalities. We hypothesized that percentage of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the head region would increase with respect to both total body fat percentage and BMI. Increased subcutaneous head fat percentage was associated with a positive linear relationship with BMI and a quadratic relationship with total body fat. The data indicate that participant age, sex, and adiposity should be considered in the development of model corrections for neuroimaging signal processing in school-aged children and adolescents. Strength of regression coefficients in our models differed from those in adults, indicating that age-specific models should be utilized.

Association of fat distribution differences in infertile women with assisted reproductive outcomes: A prospective cohort study.

To investigate the impacts of fat distribution on assisted reproductive outcomes in infertile women. The study randomly recruited 576 infertile women who underwent assisted reproductive technology treatment at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between July and October 2022. Questionnaires and body composition measurements were administered to assess baseline information and fat distribution. The numbers of oocytes, zygotes presenting with two pronuclei (2PN), and available embryos were tracked at the end of the cycle. Multifactorial logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve models were used to explore the relationships between fat distribution and reproductive outcomes while controlling for confounding factors. The study found that the participants had a mean age of 30.82 years. The analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the amount of leg body fat mass (LBFM) and the distribution of reproductive outcomes. However, there was no significant correlation between the level of visceral fat and reproductive outcomes. After taking confounding factors into account, the multifactorial regression analysis showed that the total body fat mass and the number of oocytes (odds ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.99), 2PN (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84-0.99), and embryos available for transfer (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99) were negatively correlated. RCS modeling revealed a linear dose-response relationship between LBFM and assisted reproductive outcomes. Fat distribution varies among infertile women, and higher amounts of fat are associated with poorer assisted reproductive outcomes.

Nrf2 inhibition regulates intracellular lipid accumulation in mouse insulinoma cells and improves insulin secretory function

High amount of fat in the pancreas is linked to poor functioning of β-cells and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Here we report the putative role of a circulatory glycoprotein Fetuin-A, a known obesity marker, in promoting lipid accumulation in β-cells and its association with Fatty acid translocase/CD36 for lipid storage culminate in β-cell dysfunction. Additionally, this work reveals regulation of CD36 via Nrf2, a key regulator of oxidative stress, and reduction of lipid accumulation by suppression of Nrf2 that restores β-cell function. Palmitate (0.50 mM) and Fetuin-A (100 μg/mL) exposure showed high levels of intracellular lipid in MIN6 (mouse insulinoma cells) with a concomitant decrease in insulin secretion. This also increased the expression of important lipogenic factors, like CD36, PGC1α, PPARγ, and SREBP1. Flow cytometry analysis of CD36 membrane localization has been corroborated with an increased accumulation of lipids as indicated by Oil-Red-O staining. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence of Nrf2 indicated its high expression in palmitate-fetuin-A incubation and translocation in the nucleus. Suppression of Nrf2 by siRNA showed a reduced expression of lipogenic genes, ablation of lipid droplets, decrease in the number of apoptotic cells, and restoration of insulin secretion with a corresponding increase of Pdx1, BETA2, and Ins1 gene expression. Our study thus suggested an important aspect of lipid accumulation in the pancreatic β-cells contributing to β-cell dysfunction and demonstrated the role of Fetuin-A in CD36 expression, with a possible way of restoring β-cell function by targeting Nrf2.

High-fat high-fructose diet and alpha-ketoglutarate affect mouse behavior that is accompanied by changes in oxidative stress response and energy metabolism in the cerebral cortex

BackgroundHigh caloric diets with high amounts of fats and sweeteners such as fructose may predispose organisms to neurodegenerative diseases. MethodsThis study aimed to examine the effects of a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) on the behavior of mice, energy metabolism, and markers of oxidative stress in murine cerebral cortex. Dietary α-ketoglutarate (AKG) was chosen as a treatment which could modulate the putative effects of HFFD. ResultsWe found that HFFD stimulated locomotion and defecation in mice, whereas an AKG-supplemented diet had a proclivity to promote anxiety-like behavior. HFFD stimulated lipid peroxidation, and in turn, the AKG-supplemented diet led to a higher ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione, higher activity of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and higher mRNA levels of UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase and transcription factor EB. Both diets separately, but not in combination, led to a decrease in the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and phosphofructokinase. All experimental diets resulted in lower levels of transcripts of genes encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), glycine N-methyl transferase, and peroxisome proliferator receptor γ co-activator 1. ConclusionsOur results show that diet supplemented with AKG resulted in effects similar to those of HFFD on the cerebral cortex, but elicited substantial differences between these two diets with respect to behavior, glutathione-dependent detoxification, and processes related to autophagy. General significanceOur study provides insight into the metabolic effects of HFFD alone and in combination with alpha-ketoglutarate in the mouse brain.

Development of Functional Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread with Pseudocereals and Enriched with Moringa oleifera.

Celiac patients tend to have an unbalanced diet, because gluten-free products typically contain a high amount of fats and carbohydrates and a low amount of proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This research focused on the development of gluten-free functional breads using pseudocereals, psyllium, and gluten-free sourdough to replace commercial yeast, fortifying them with Moringa oleifera. Six different gluten-free breads were made with sourdough: three control breads differentiated by sourdough (quinoa, amaranth, and brown rice) and three breads enriched with moringa leaf differentiated by sourdough. The antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, nutritional composition, physicochemical parameters (color, pH, and acidity), folate content, amino acid profile, reducing sugars, mineral composition, mineral bioaccessibility, fatty acid profile, and sensory acceptability were evaluated. A commercial gluten-free (COM) bread was included in these analyses. Compared with COM bread, the reformulated breads were found to have better nutritional properties. Moringa leaf increased the nutritional properties of bread, and highlighted the QM (quinoa/moringa) bread as having increased protein, fiber, sucrose, glucose, maltose, phenylalanine, and cysteine. The AM (amaranth/moringa) bread was also shown to have a higher total folate content, antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, 9t,11t-C18:2 (CLA), and 9t-C18:1. Reformulated breads enriched with moringa could meet nutritional requirements and provide health benefits to people with celiac disease.

Total lipid and fatty acids components of some Persian walnut (Juglans regia) cultivars

The world's walnuts (Juglans regia L.) production showed rapid growth from less than one million tons to more than three million tons during 1990–2020. The walnut kernel contains a high amount of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. In this study, the total lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates contents of four commercial walnut cultivars: Alvand, Chaldoran, Caspian, and Persia, together with two promising genotypes: C-25 and 35t, were compared to cv. Chandler in 2019 and 2020. Based on the results, the average percentage of protein in cultivars in two years varied from 15.00% to 19.27%, the percentage of carbohydrates from 17.40% to 29.10%, and the percentage of total lipids from 50.60% to 70.00%. The fatty acids contents showed that the predominant was linoleic acid ranging from 44.60%-63.09%, followed by oleic acid (12.40%-35.02%), linolenic acid (6.64%-14.97%), palmitic acid (7.04%-8.97%) and stearic acid (2.28%-3.63%). Meanwhile, the nut protein (14.90%-19.86%) and carbohydrate (17.40%-29.10%) showed high variability too. The results showed that among the cultivars/genotypes, the highest amount of protein belonged to promising genotype 35t, and the highest amount of total lipid percentage was observed in cv. Persia, and the highest amount of carbohydrates was related to cv. Caspian. The cv. Chandler had the highest linoleic acid content (60.53%), while the cv. Persia had the lowest amount (46.90%). Analysis of regression between fatty acids components showed a close relationship r2 (0.876) between linoleic acid and oleic acid. The analysis of results in two years regarding the total lipids showed that the effect of the year was more than the genotype. Factor analysis using five fatty acids components showed that the first and second factors demonstrated more than 70% of the total variance. The first factor influenced the oleic acid (-0.978) and linoleic acid (0.941) highly. The loading plot of the first and second factors indicated that the change in oleic acid was opposite to linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and stearic acid. In conclusion, walnut cultivars' fatty acids contents showed significant variability, so Chandler, Chaldoran, and 35t were rich in linoleic and linolenic acids. In contrast, others like Persia and C-25 were rich in oleic acid.

Western Diet, as a vast Problem of the 21st Century

A typical Western diet consists of low amounts of fruits and vegetables and high amounts of fat and salt. This style of eating is quite common in America and Eastern Europe, including Georgia, and is taking on a global appearance. Among the causes of obesity, the Western eating style is on the first place, and therefore its prevention is gaining more and more importance. The above mentioned eating style consists of large portions of food, high calories and excess sugar. This excess sugar makes up more than 13% of daily calories, and beverages 47% of sugar. The Western diet is rich in trans fats, which increase the number of low-density lipoproteins that provoke atherosclerosis. The diet also damages the immune system, provokes inflammation and damages the gut microflora. Several studies in rodents and humans have found that Western-type dietary habits are associated with elevated serum inflammatory markers. It impairs epithelial barrier function in mice and increases susceptibility to chemically induced colitis. Experiments have shown that supplementation with vitamins A or D, fiber, or indol improves intestinal inflammation. Western-style nutrition leads to severe gastrointestinal dysbiosis, which is characterized by the proliferation of pathogens and the reduction or complete loss of bacteria included in the normal flora. An imbalance of the gut microbiome can lead to disruption of barrier integrity and the induction of systemic inflammatory processes. There is also a correlation between asthma and a Western-style diet.Most studies have shown that the proportion and number of neutrophils significantly higher in lung tissues of obese mice than in lean subjects. Regarding treatment, the drug metformin can reduce the symptoms of obesity-related asthma, while statins are most commonly prescribed orally for lipid-lowering therapy. Simvastatin can effectively improve airway inflammation and remodeling by regulating dyslipidemia and reducing leptin levels. The fight against obesity is much more than a public health challenge, so promoting a healthy lifestyle for the population and regulating the quality of nutrition should be the main task for countries, including Georgia.

Nile perch fish nuggets: Partial replacement of fish flesh with sesame hulls and sunroot — Quality assessment and storage stability

This study aimed to produce Nile perch fish nuggets by replacing a part of fish flesh with different concentrations of sesame hulls and sunroot to reach the optimal recipe. Chemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of nuggets were evaluated during 3 months of frozen storage at –18 °C. According to the obtained data on the chemical composition of raw materials, Nile perch flesh had the highest content of protein (20.21%), sesame hulls contained the highest amount of fat (13.54%), fiber (17.24%) and ash (16.11%), while sunroot tubers had the highest amount of carbohydrates (15.76%). Based on the sensory score, the acceptable replacement ratio for fish nuggets prepared with sunroot (T1) and sesame hulls (T2) was 10% and 7.5%, respectively. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) analysis at zero time shows that the T1 samples had the minimum value compared to the T2 and control samples. During storage, the TBA levels increased slightly in all samples, but after three months T1 also showed the lowest value. The total plate count (TPC) and psychrophilic bacterial (PSY) count in the samples were affected by the period of frozen storage at –18 °C. The initial TPC and PSY loads were 2.32 and 2.02 log cfu/g for control; 2.24 and 1.72 log cfu/g for T1; 2.30 and 1.47 log cfu/g for T2, respectively. During storage, the values of TPC and Psy slightly decreased. In conclusion, this study succeeded in the replacement of Nile perch fish with sesame hulls and sunroot as new sources to improve the nutritional value and quality characteristics of fish nuggets.

Evaluation of the Impact of Nutrition Knowledge on Nutrition Behaviour and Diet in a Physically Active Person’s Cohort

Abstract Specific high physical and psychological load energy expenditure should be covered by balanced diet that is adapted to physical load. Food intake is one of the vital processes that support body activity and maintain physical working capacity in special environment. Various objective and subjective factors have an impact on body energy expenditure and determine a definite amount of food energy. Dietary intake influences the readiness and training performance outcome. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diet of physically active persons before and after a nutritional education course and determine the impact of nutrition knowledge on nutrition behaviour and diet in two subgroups: respondents with a standard BMI level (BMI < 25, in the interval 18.5–24.9) and overweight respondents with BMI ³ 25, in the interval 25.0–29.9. Participants aged 22–35 years, who had daily physical activity and physical load, were selected for the study group. We divided respondents into two subgroups: respondents with standard BMI level (BMI < 25; BMI in the interval 18.5–24.9) and overweight respondents with BMI ³ 25 (BMI in the interval 25.0–29.9). Nutritional education course included the theoretical part (lectures) and practical part (dietary diary self-assessment) as well as a quiz that allow to evaluate nutrition knowledge level in the selected cohort of respondents with BMI < 25 and BMI ³ 25. We provided intervention before and after a nutritional education course by using the standardised questionnaire “Diet 3-day menu diary” and standardised survey “Physical activity during the current life period”, which allowed to evaluate the balance between the daily intake for energy recovery and daily physical activity as energy expenditure. We determined the value of the main dietary components (protein (%), carbohydrates (%) and fat (%), as well the total amount of energy (kcal) in the diet before the nutritional education course (Diet 1st) and after the nutritional education course (Diet 2nd) in the selected cohort of respondents with BMI < 25 and BMI ³ 25. The study group participants preferred a diet with a higher amount of fat and lower amount of carbohydrates compared with nutritional recommendation for general population. There were no significant differences in Diet 1st components between overweight and standard BMI groups. Analysis of post-course (Diet 2nd) dietary diary showed a statistically exact significance of fat level (%) and carbohydrate level (%), and no statistically approved changes in protein level (%) intake. Nutritional knowledge of the study group participants after the nutritional education course was evaluated by using a standardised test in points (1–10), which showed that about 60% of the respondents received an assessment “good”. The results of the study can be used to develop optimal diet planning during the pre-training period before planning physical exercises with high physical and psycho-emotional load, in order to benefit physical exercise performance.

Fabrication and optimisation of cashew nut butter from different vegetable oils.

One of the significant problems with peanut butter is oil separation when the product is opened after some time. The selection of vegetable oil, which acts as a stabiliser, plays a significant role in nut butter's textural and sensory quality. This study aimed to optimise the formulation of cashew nut butter using response surface methodology (RSM). Four different vegetable oils, namely olive oil, virgin coconut oil, soybean oil and palm oil, were used to select efficient vegetable oil based on its effect on the physicochemical characteristics and sensory evaluation of cashew nut butter. Thirteen formulations of cashew nut butter from RSM were produced to determine the optimum amount of selected oil (olive oil) and honey. Cashew nut butter stabilised with olive oil showed the best and similar values to commercial peanut butter with the lowest oil separation 3.91% and lower values of texture data of firmness (85.8 g), shear work (87.8 g.sec), stickiness (-27.44 g) and work of adhesion (-36.07 g.sec). The recommended volumes of olive oil and honey for cashew nut butter production were 1.29% and 6.16%, respectively. Consumers favor cashew nut butter, according to sensory analysis' overall acceptance. In terms of nutritional quality, cashew nut butter contains a high amount of fat (47.25%), followed by carbohydrates (24.51%) and protein (16.4%). The type of oil showed significant effects on the stability and spreadability of the produced cashew nut butter.

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) differentially affects satiation in mice fed a regular or a high fat diet.

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) is a widely used food additive and the toxicity after oral consumption is still under research, although it has been already banned in some countries. The consumption of this additive occurs mainly through ultra-processed food products which also contain high amounts of fat. High fat diets (HFD) impair the physiological system controlling satiation and satiety, which are responsible for control of food intake and energy status. The impact of E171 on animal behavior has been poorly explored and here we hypothesize that E171 could worsen the effects on feeding behavior induced by HFD. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of E171 on the feeding pattern and the behavioral satiety sequence (BSS) of mice fed with a regular diet (RD) or a HFD after 1 and 16 weeks of exposure. The results showed that RD+E171 increased food intake and feeding time, but the prototypical structure of the BSS pattern (feeding→ grooming-activity → resting), was preserved. Conversely, food consumption was not altered in HFD+E171, but the BSS pattern was disrupted as the animals prolonged resting time and spent less time being active. Our findings suggest that E171 delayed the onset of satiation in mice fed with RD but induced the opposite effect in mice fed with HFD.

Inhibition of Na/K-ATPase signaling Attenuates Steatohepatitis and Atherosclerosis in Mice Fed a Western Diet.

We have previously reported that the α1 subunit of sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na/K-ATPase), acts as a receptor and an amplifier for reactive oxygen species, in addition to its distinct pumping function. On this background, we speculated that the blockade of Na/K-ATPase-induced ROS amplification with a specific peptide, pNaKtide, might attenuate the development of steatohepatitis. To test this hypothesis, pNaKtide was administered to a murine model of NASH: the C57Bl6 mouse fed a "western" diet containing high amounts of fat and fructose. The administration of pNaKtide reduced obesity as well as hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Of interest, we also noted a marked improvement in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia and aortic streaking in this mouse model. To further elucidate the effects of pNaKtide on atherosclerosis, similar studies were performed in ApoE knockout mice also exposed to the western diet. In these mice, pNaKtide not only improved steatohepatitis, dyslipidemia, and insulin sensitivity but also ameliorated significant aortic atherosclerosis. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the Na/K-ATPase/ROS amplification loop contributes significantly to the development and progression of steatohepatitis and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, this study presents a potential treatment, the pNaKtide, for the metabolic syndrome phenotype.

Physicochemical and sensory properties of jameed enriched with orange albedo and apple peel powder

Jameed is a dried fermented milk product with long shelf life and can be stored for several months at room temperature (15-30⁰ C) without deterioration or affecting its functional, biological and nutritional values. Mansaf contains high amount of fat, which comes from the meat and ghee or oil, which is added to it. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding apple peel powder and orange albedo powder at different percentages (3%, 5% and 7%), as sources of dietary fiber, on physicochemical (protein, fiber, ash content and wettability, and separation layer content), and sensory properties of jameed. This is the first study that addresses adding fiber to jameed to reduce the risk of life-style diseases. The results showed that all treatments of apple peels and orange albedo used for jameed were effective in increasing the protein, fiber, ash content and wettability when compared with the control. The highest treatment that significantly increased these parameters was 7% for both apple peels and orange albedo treatments. All percentage concentrations of orange albedo and apple peel treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased the separation layer when compared to the control. The most effective treatment in decreasing the separation layer (20%) was the 7% apple peel treatment when compared to control. When comparing orange albedo treatments with apple peels treatments of jameed, results showed that orange albedo treatments at all levels increased the wettability better than apple peels. Sensorial characteristics of jameed treated with apple peels and orange albedo as sources of fiber were attractive to the consumers. The sensory attributes of jameed including appearance, color, flavor, taste, texture, consistency and overall acceptability were significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) by adding orange albedo and apple peel at different percentages (3%, 5%, and 7%). When comparing apple peel and orange albedo treatments for jameed in all scores, there were no significant differences in overall acceptability scores between them. Key words: Jameed, Mansaf, orange albedo, apple peel, dietary fiber, wettability, separation layer

Nutritional Profile of Commercialized Plant-Based Meat: An Integrative Review with a Systematic Approach.

Given the high cost of production of animal-based meats and the increase in the number of adepts of meatless diets, the need for plant-based meat substitutes is growing. In this prosperously growing market, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional value of these meat substitutes and their ingredients. This study aims to review the nutritional composition and ingredients of meat substitutes commercialized worldwide. An integrative review was performed with a systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and 11 studies were selected to compose the sample of this review. Data on meat substitutes' nutritional composition and ingredients from different categories were collected and analyzed. The results showed that meat substitutes commonly present lower energy values and higher amounts of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Protein values varied according to the meat substitute category, with some showing a higher concentration than others, more specifically in substitutes for bovine meat. Higher values were found in the Pieces category and lower in Seafood substitutes. Unlike animal meat, vegan meat has a proportion of carbohydrates higher than protein in most samples, except for chicken substitutes. Meat substitutes presented similar total and saturated fat content compared to their animal-based counterparts. Higher amounts of fat were found in the "Various" category and lower in "Pieces". Ingredients such as soy, pea, and wheat were the primary protein sources in meat substitutes, and vegetable oils were their primary fat source. Methylcellulose, various gums, and flavorings were the most used food additives. In general, meat substitutes presented high concentrations of sodium, possibly collaborating with an excessive sodium intake, highlighting the need for developing sodium-reduced or sodium-free alternatives. Most of the included samples did not describe the concentration of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Further studies are needed to develop meat substitutes with better nutritional composition, fulfilling the need for equivalent substitutes for animal-based meat.

Productive traits of daughters of sires of Holstein breed depending on the country of origin and genotype according to gene CSN3

Numerous studies have proven the effect of the allele B of the kappa casein gene (CSN3) on protein milk content, because the protein controlled by this allele has a number of distinctive features: difference in micelle size, higher protein content, greater stability when heated and frozen, better properties for cheese making (shorter coagulation time, coagulate of a denser consistency and a higher cheese yield by 5–10 %). The purpose of the research was to study the frequency of occurrence of alleles and genotypes of the kappa casein gene (CSN3) in sires of Holstein breed, depending on the country of origin, and to trace the infl uence of the identifi ed genotypes on the productive traits of the daughters of sires (milk yield, fat and protein content in milk). It was revealed that the highest frequency of occurrence of the desired allele B kappa-casein was found in sires of Dutch and Canadian breeding 33,3 and 34,7 %, respectively. The highest frequency of occurrence of homozygous genotype CSN3 BB was found in Dutch–bred sires – 22,2 %. The frequency of occurrence of the heterozygous CSN3 AB genotype was higher than others in Canadian–bred sires – 36,1 %. The best milk yield was characterized by the daughters of Canadian and Dutch-bred sires with CSN3 AA genotype, among the daughters of Germanbred sires it was CSN3 AB. The highest amount of fat in milk of daughters of sires of Dutch origin was found in cows with the sire’s genotype AB, in daughters of sires of German and Canadian breeding itwas AA, but the indicators practically did not differ from those of daughters of sires with the genotype AB. The highest protein content in milk was found in the daughters of sires of diff erent origins with the allele B of the kappa-casein gene.