High-calorie Diet Research Articles

Changes in the indicators of connective tissue metabolism in the blood serum of experimental rats under the conditions of modeling the development of degenerative processes in paravertebral muscles

Low back pain is a common health problem. To deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, experimental studies on animals with modeling of the pathological process are necessary. Objective. Based on the analysis of biochemical markers of connective tissue metabolism in the blood serum of laboratory rats, the applicability of the studied models of degenerative muscle tissue damage to study the relationship between this condition and the development of disorders in spinal motor segments was assessed. Methods. Two models of reproduction of degenerative processes in the paravertebral muscles of white rats were tested: I (n = 5) — alimentary (diet-induced) obesity, by keeping it for 3 months on a high-calorie diet; II (n = 5) — ischemia, by tying the large rectus muscles of the back with suture material (45 days). Control group (n = 5) — intact animals of similar age and sex. The content of glycoproteins, total chondroitin sulfates (CS), hexosamines, protein-bound hexoses, seroglycoides, fractional distribution and total content of hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan sulfates (GAGs) were investigated in the blood serum of rats. The results. In the blood serum of rats of groups I and II, a significant increase compared to the control level of glycoproteins was determined, with a greater effect in the ischemia model, but no significant changes of protein-bound hexoses, hexosamines and CS were recorded. The level of inflammatory markers (sialic acids and seroglycoides) in the blood serum of animals of both groups did not differ significantly from the control, and changes in the parameters of hydroxyproline (except for the slightly changed protein-bound fraction) and GAGs were significant only for the ischemia model. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of biochemical markers of connective tissue metabolism in rats of groups I and II, changes characteristic of degenerative processes were determined, with a greater manifestation in the ischemia model. No significant increase in biochemical markers of inflammation was recorded. Both models can be used to reproduce dystrophic processes in osteochondrosis.

Analysis of gut microbiotal diversity in healthy young adults in Sunan County, Gansu Province, China.

To examine gut microbiotal diversity in the Han Chinese and Yugur populations of Sunan County, Gansu Province, living in the same environmental conditions, and to analyze possible causes of differences in diversity. We selected 28 people, ages 18-45 years old, all of whom were third-generation pure Yugur or Han Chinese from Sunan County. Fresh fecal samples were collected, and total bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted. We performed 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics to study the relationships among between gut microbiota structure, genetics, and dietary habits in Yugur and Han Chinese subjects. We found 350 differential operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in Han Chinese and Yugur gut microbiota, proving that gut microbiota differed between the two populations. That were less abundant among Yugurs than Han Chinese were Prevotella_9 and Alloprevotella. That were more abundant among Yugurs than Han Chinese were Anaerostipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group. And they were significantly associated with a high-calorie diet In addition. we found differences in predicted gut microbiota structural functions (The main functions were metabolic and genetic information) between the two populations. Yugur subjects demonstrated differences in gut microbiotal structure from Han Chinese subjects, and this difference influenced by dietary and may be influenced by genetic influences. This finding will provide a fundamental basis for further study of the relationships among gut microbiota, dietary factors, and disease in Sunan County.

EFFECT OF CURCUMIN ON LIPID PEROXIDATION IN THE RAT BRAIN UNDER CONDITIONS OF ROUND-THE-CLOCK ILLUMINATION AND HIGH-CALORIE CARBOHYDRATE-LIPID DIET

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of the polyphenol curcumin on lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the homogenate of the cerebral hemispheres from rats exposed to the round-the-clock lighting (RCL) and kept on high-calorie carbohydrate-lipid diet (HCCLD). The experiments were performed on 21 white male Wistar rats weighing 210-250 g, divided into 3 groups of 7 animals each. Animals of group 1 (control I) were kept on a standard vivarium diet and equal alternation of light and darkness periods. Rats of groups 2 and 3 during the period of RCL in the setting of HCCLD were daily injected 1 ml of 20% aqueous fructose solution intragastrically through a probe ("placebo", control II) and curcumin in a dose of 200 mg/kg, respectively. The level of lipid peroxidation in the cerebral homogenate was assessed by the formation of a colored trimethine complex in the reaction with thiobarbituric acid (TBA). Keeping rats on the RCL and HCCLD was accompanied by a significant increase in the concentration of TBA reactants before and after the incubation in pro-oxidant buffer solution, by 59.0 and 68.8%, respectively. The administration of curcumin under the experimental conditions significantly reduced the concentration of TBA-active products: before its incubation in the pro-oxidant buffer solution – by 24.4%, after the incubation – by 31.0% compared to the corresponding values in the 2nd group. This enables us to conclude that the administration of the polyphenol curcumin under exposing rats to RCL and keeping them on HCCLD significantly limits the LPO development in the cerebral homogenate of the cerebral hemispheres.

Evaluation of the regulatory effect of carnosine and alpha-lipoic acid on the cytokine profile of the cerebral cortex of Wistar rats under induced obesity

BACKGROUND:The model of obesity under experimental conditions is reproduced by using high-calorie diets in animals. It has been established that metabolic disorders cause meta-inflammation not only in peripheral organs and tissues, but also in brain structures. The search for effective neuroprotective antioxidants to suppress inflammatory processes in the cerebral cortex in obesity is an urgent task due to the widespread prevalence of this disease.AIM: to evaluate the effect of minor biologically active substances — carnosine (CAR) and α-lipoic acid (ALA) on the cytokine profile of the frontal cortex of the left hemisphere of the brain in Wistar male rats with obesity induced by a high-calorie choline-deficient diet.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The studies were carried out on male Wistar rats with an initial body weight of 150±10 g. The animals were randomized by body weight into 5 groups. For 8 weeks, rats of the 1st (control) group received a complete modified diet of AIN93M; rats of the 2nd group consumed a high-calorie choline-deficient diet (HCHDR), the fat content of which was 45%, fructose — 20% of the energy value of the diet; rats of the 3rd group received HCHDR with the addition of CAR at a dose of 75 mg per 1 kg of body weight; rats of the 4th group received HCHDR with the addition of ALA at a dose of 75 mg per 1 kg of body weight; rats of the 5th group received HCHDR with the addition of the CAR + ALA complex in a total dose of 150 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Animals were removed from the experiment by decapitation under ether anesthesia. The levels of triglycerides (Tg) and free fatty acids (FFA) in blood plasma (mmol) were determined on a biochemical analyzer (Konelab 20i, Thermo Clinical Labsystems Oy, Finland). Content of cytokines and chemokines (pg/ml): GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, MCP-1, M-CSF, MIP-1α, MIP-2, MIP-3α, RANTES, and TNF-α in cerebral cortex lysates were determined by multiplex immunoassay using a Luminex 200 analyzer (Luminex Corporation, USA). To assess the relationship between the level of cytokines in blood plasma and changes in their concentrations under the influence of HCCDR in lysates of the cortex of the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere of the brain, the ratio was calculated: the level of cytokines pg/ml in blood plasma [1]/the content of cytokines pg/ml in lysates (pl/ lys) for each sample.RESULTS: On the model of obesity in rats, the presence of an inflammatory process in the cerebral cortex was established, as evidenced by an increase in the content of pro-inflammatory factors: IL-2, M-CSF, MIP-1α and RANTES and a decrease in the content of immunoregulatory cytokines of varying severity: IL-10, IL17A, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, TNF-a, MIP-2 and MIP-3α in group 2 rats. (HCHDR) compared with the control group. Enrichment of HCHDR with biologically active substances: CAR, ALA or their complex, ensured the normalization of lipid metabolism, as evidenced by the decrease in the ratio of circulating Tg to FFA in the blood serum of rats to control values: 1st gr. (control) — 1,04±0.23; 2nd gr. (HCHDR) — 1,64±0.63; 3rd gr. (CAR) — 0,98±0.31; 4th gr. (ALA) — 0,86±0.31; 5th gr. (CAR+ALA) — 1,02±0.38. Enrichment of HCHDR with CAR, ALA or their complex led to a decrease in the content of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis-regulating cytokines and chemokines in the cortex of the frontal lobe of the rat brain: IL-1α, IL-2, IL-17A, M-CSF, MCP-1, MIP3α and RANTES, along with an increase in the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which indicates the suppression of the inflammatory process induced by the consumption of HCHDR in rats.CONCLUSION:The data obtained indicate the prospect of using CAR and ALA or their complex as neuroprotective antioxidants to reduce the inflammatory process in brain structures in obesity.

Clinical Outcomes of Refeeding Syndrome: A Systematic Review of High vs. Low-Calorie Diets for the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents.

Over the years, the standard of care for re-alimentation of patients admitted for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) has been a conservative or cautious approach described as "start low and go slow." These traditional refeeding protocols advocate for a low-calorie diet that restricts carbohydrates, with the primary goal of hypothetically lowering the risk of refeeding syndrome (RFS) and its complication. However, no consensus exists for the optimal inpatient approach to refeeding children and adolescents with AN. There is still some disagreement about what constitutes an ideal pace for nutritional rehabilitation. Varying treatment protocols have emerged across the globe, often reflecting the preferences and biases of individual practitioners and contributing to the lack of a universally accepted protocol for refeeding in AN. Although it is widely accepted that low-caloric refeeding (LCR) is safe for inpatient treatment of AN, this strategy has been shown to have several significant drawbacks, leading to increased criticism of the LCR method. Research from the last decade has led to calls for a more aggressive refeeding protocol, one that suggests a higher caloric intake from the offset. As a result, this research aimed to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on strategies for refeeding hospitalized pediatric/adolescent patients with AN and related eating disorders. We aimed to compare high-caloric refeeding (HCR) and LCR in terms of weight gain, length of stay, and risk of RFS. We conducted a thorough search of medical databases for abstracts published in English, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and MEDLINE, to find relevant studies published between 2010 and February 2023. Our focus was on articles that evaluated high versus low refeeding protocols in children and adolescents hospitalized for treating AN and related eating disorders. Only articles that reported on at least one of the outcome variables of interest, such as hypophosphatemia, weight gain, RFS, or length of hospital stay, were considered. This review included 20 full-text articles published in the last decade on the HCR protocol in children and adolescents, with a total sample size of 2191 participants. In only one of the 20 studies did researchers find evidence of a true clinical case of RFS. We, therefore, found no evidence that HCR increased the risk of RFS in adolescents, even in those with a very low body mass index (BMI). However, evidence suggests a lower BMI at the time of hospital admission is a better predictor of hypophosphatemia than total caloric intake.In conclusion, based on the evidence from this review, a high-caloric diet or rapid refeeding in children/adolescents suffering from AN may be both safe and effective, with serial laboratory investigations and phosphate supplementation as needed. Hence, more research, particularly, randomized controlled trials, is required to help shape an evidence-based refeeding guidelineoutlining target calorie intakes and rates of advancement to assist clinicians in the treatment of adolescents with AN and related eating disorders.

Voluntary physical activity modulates self-selection of a high-caloric choice diet in male Wistar rats

Physical exercise training has been positioned as a behavioral strategy to prevent or alleviate obesity via promotion of energy expenditure as well as modulation of energy intake resulting from changes in dietary preference. Brain adaptations underlying the latter process are incompletely understood. Voluntary wheel running (VWR) is a self-reinforcing rodent paradigm that mimics aspects of human physical exercise training. Behavioral and mechanistic insight from such fundamental studies can help optimize therapies that improve body weight and metabolic health based on physical exercise training in humans.To assess the effects of VWR on dietary self-selection, male Wistar rats were given access to a two-component “no-choice” control diet (CD; consisting of prefabricated nutritionally complete pellets and a bottle with tap water) or a four-component free-choice high-fat high-sucrose diet (fc-HFHSD; consisting of a container with prefabricated nutritionally complete pellets, a dish with beef tallow, a bottle with tap water, and a bottle with 30% sucrose solution). Metabolic parameters and baseline dietary self-selection behavior during sedentary (SED) housing were measured for 21 days, after which half of the animals were allowed to run on a vertical running wheel (VWR) for another 30 days. This resulted in four experimental groups (SEDCD, SEDfc-HFHSD, VWRCD, and VWRfc-HFHSD). Gene expression of opioid and dopamine neurotransmission components, which are associated with dietary self-selection, was assessed in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two brain regions involved in reward-related behavior, following 51 and 30 days of diet consumption and VWR, respectively.Compared to CD controls, consumption of fc-HFHSD before and during VWR did not alter total running distances. VWR and fc-HFHSD had opposite effects on body weight gain and terminal fat mass. VWR transiently lowered caloric intake and increased and decreased terminal adrenal and thymus mass, respectively, independent of diet. VWR during fc-HFHSD consumption consistently increased CD self-selection, had an acute negative effect on fat self-selection, and a delayed negative effect on sucrose solution self-selection compared to SED controls. Gene expression of opioid and dopamine neurotransmission components in LH and NAc were unaltered by fc-HFHSD or VWR. We conclude that VWR modulates fc-HFHSD component self-selection in a time-dependent manner in male Wistar rats.

HYDROETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF TAMARINDUS INDICA SEEDS DECREASES BODY AND LIVER FAT IN OBESE MICE

Obesity is a metabolic disorder related to several comorbidities. Recent studies found that thehydroethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica seeds inhibits the absorption of sugar and fat inthe intestine. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of this extract on the fat weight and liverlipid profile of obese mice induced by a high-calorie diet. 21-day-old male Swiss mice weredivided into control (standard diet) and cafeteria (high-calorie diet) groups. After certifyingthat cafeteria groups were glucose intolerant (90 days after the onset of high-calorie diet),some obese animals were orally treated (gavage) with the hydroethanolic extract of T. indicaseeds (500 mg/Kg) for 30 days. The animals were euthanized, and the liver and the body fatswere collected. Obese animals showed an increase in all fats' weight and liver lipid content.Treatment decreased epididymal (47%), retroperitoneal (55%), mesenteric (27%), and brown(14%) fat weight. In addition, the extract of T indica seed reduced the levels of triglycerides(42%) and total cholesterol (30%) in the liver. We conclude that hydroethanolic extract of T.indica seeds can be a potential preparation for treating and management of obesity.

THE EFFECT OF BOLDINE ON BODY COMPOSITION AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN OBESE MICE

Boldine is an alkaloid widely found in boldo leaves. Recent studies have determined itspotential effect on glycemic and lipidemia control. Because of this, the objective of this workwas to evaluate the effect of boldine on body composition and carbohydrate metabolism inobese mice induced by a high-calorie diet. 21-day-old male Swiss mice were divided intocontrol (standard diet), cafeteria (high-calorie diet) and treatment (boldine 20mg/Kg) groups.After 90 days of treatment, the animals were euthanized, the liver was collected, andepididymal, retroperitoneal, mesenteric and brown fats were weighed. Obese animalsincreased body and fat weight, but boldine treatment decreased body weight (17%) andabdominal circumference (15%) and reduced retroperitoneal (66%) and mesenteric (33%) fatweight. Obesity altered the activity of glucokinase and glucose 6-phosphatase in the liver.However, the treatment decreased glucose 6-phosphatase activity (30%) and increasedglucokinase activity (43%). We conclude that boldine can be a potential preparation for themanagement and treating obesity.

PRODUCTION AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF HOMEMADE DATE SYRUP AS ALTERNATIVE SWEETENER IN POST COVID19: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Date fruits (phoenix dactylifera) belongs to the palm tree family Arecaceae. The date fruits and seeds arerich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber and contain both essential and non-essential amino acids.Date is naturally sweet and can be processed into syrup and used as healthy alternative to table sugar.Eating healthy for sustaining a healthy life in post COVID19 is the wish of every human being but with thechanging lifestyle and palates for sweeten food, healthy living may be compromised. COVID-19 pandemichad enormous impact on the eating habit of the general population with visible effects in post COVID19leading to major behavioral changes in eating habits especially high calorie diets which may promotes extraweight gain and exacerbates their risks of developing health complications, severe disease cases, andmortality. This paper examined the production and sensory evaluation of homemade date syrup asalternative sweetener in post COVID19. Specifically, the study produced syrup from date fruits, conductedsensory evaluation and acceptability of tea using the syrup as sweetener and studied the keeping quality ofthe homemade syrup at room temperature. Findings revealed that, the syrup was rated high in all the sensoryattributed measured and had no significance difference at P < 0.05 with the control. People of all agesshould be encourage to include date syrup in their diet especially in beverages and breakfast cereals as thiswill help increase essential nutrients intake that are present in date fruits and also reduce their risks ofdeveloping health complications such as dental carries, obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and fattyliver disease.

HIGH-CALORIE DIET DURING LACTATION PROGRAMS EARLY HYPERPHAGIA IN MALE AND FEMALE NEWBORN RATS

Obesity is a serious and concerning disease for public health. Breastfeeding is crucial formetabolic programming and plays an important role in controlling newborn metabolism. Theaim of this study was to analyze weight gain and milk consumption in male and femalenewborn rats whose mothers were fed a high-calorie diet during the breastfeeding period. Atdelivery, female Wistar rats were divided into two groups, one was fed a hypercaloric diet(4,500 kcal/g and sucrose solution at 10%; Ob group), while control dams were fedcommertial diet (Cont group). Pups were weighed every two days, and milk intake wasrecorded on the 6 th , 11 th and 16 th days old. At 22 days old, the pups were weaned, and themother rats were euthanized for analysis. At 6 th day olds, Ob males consumed 42.7% moremilk than Cont, while Ob females consumed 33.9% more than Cont (P<0.001). On the 11 thday of life, Ob males consumed 42.7% more than Cont, while Ob females consumed 33.9%more than Cont (P<0.05). On the 16 th day, Ob males consumed 39.3% more than Cont(P<0.001), while Ob females consumed 29.8% more than Cont (P<0.01). During thebreastfeeding period, there was an increase in body mass of Ob males by 21.7% (P<0.05) andin females by 10%. It was observed that Ob males showed a weight increase of 18.65%compared to Ob females (P<0.001), while among the Cont group pups, no significantdifference was observed between males and females. We concluded that offspring breastfedby mothers who consumed a high-calorie diet during lactation are more likely to developearly hyperphagia, and a greater risk of developing obesity.

A Systemic Review: Clinical Manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus and Role of Pharmacist in Management of Type-II Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids is disrupted owing to reduced insulin production, increased Glucagon secretion, and the development of insulin resistance in body cells. Type II DM differs from type I DM in that beta cells are not destroyed. The prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan varies based on age, gender, and geography. Genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors contribute to the development of type II diabetes. Insulin resistance by the cells and a decreased or inadequate quantity of insulin produced by the beta cells of the pancreas result in Type II diabetes, which is characterized by high amounts of proinflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids in plasma. In diabetic individuals, the imbalance between insulin and glucagon production results in an increased amount of glucagon in the blood and hyperglycemia. Insulin resistance develops in response to physical inactivity, steroid use, and a high-calorie diet, and glucagon and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) levels also rise. Major consequences of diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and vasculopathy, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. In this review we discuss the medication therapy as well as insulin role in the management. And also focus on the role of pharmacist in the management of DM-11 since tailored patient education is more effective than group sessions in maintaining poorly managed diabetes. Among the nonpharmacologic parts of diabetes treatment is teaching patients about the advantages of a healthy diet, physical activity, and medicine for decreasing hyperglycemia. In treating type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery is more effective than medication. Depending on the patient's state, anti-diabetic drugs may either lower insulin resistance or boost insulin secretion.

A new insight into the hepatoprotective effect of sildenafil: The role of H2S.

High-calorie diet, alcohol, and multiple drug use increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause liver damage. ROS are crucial in the initiation/progression of liver diseases. Antioxidants have beneficial effects but produce clinically complex results. The hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway is considered a promising therapeutic target since it plays role in the pathogenesis/treatment of liver diseases. Sildenafil exerts antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects by increasing specific antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway which are common mechanisms underlying the effects of H2S. We aimed to determine if H2S has a role in the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of sildenafil. The effect of sildenafil on endogenous H2S production was elucidated with an H2S microsensor in the presence/absence of pyrogallol-induced oxidative stress and H2S synthesis inhibitor aminoxyacetic acid (AOAA) in the liver. The relation between the antioxidant effect of sildenafil and H2S was determined by luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence. Sildenafil increased L-cysteine-induced H2S synthesis in the healthy liver and prevented the pyrogallol-induced reduction in H2S production. Sildenafil decreased the ROS production induced by pyrogallol and its protective effect was inhibited by AOAA. These results reveal that H2S is a new pharmacological mechanism of action of sildenafil on the liver. Therefore, sildenafil can be a potential therapeutic agent in treating many liver diseases in which H2S bioavailability is impaired. Additionally, the hepatoprotective effect of sildenafil by increasing endogenous H2S synthesis advances our knowledge in terms of developing H2S-targeting molecules.

CONTINUOUS SWIMMING TRAINING IN MODERATE INTENSITY DECREASED FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE LEVEL IN FEMALE MICE ON A HIGH-CALORIE DIET

Background: The increase of calorie intake can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. One of the efforts to reduce the risk is doing physical exercise. Types of physical exercise that can affect the system of female reproduction are not clearly defined. Purpose: To analyse the effect of moderate intensity continuous physical exercise on FSH levels in female rats exposed to a high-calorie diet. Methods: Laboratory experimental was research with Randomized Post test only Control Group Design. Sampel size was 27 rats (150-200, adults) in the estrus phase, then divided into 3 groups (negative control group, positive control group (high-calorie diet), and the Moderate Intensity Continuous Training group (MICT with high-calorie diet)). Results: The results showed that there was an significant effect of continuous physical exercise in moderate intensity on FSH level in female rats exposed to other group. The FSH level in the MICT group had the lowes level (16.78 ±4.83 mIU/ml). Conclusion: There is an effect of MICT on FSH level decreases in female rats exposed to a high diet calories. This can be caused, that high-calorie diet can inhibit GnRH secretion and continuous moderate-intensity physical exercise changes the rat energy metabolism

THE EFFECT OF BROCCOLI SPROUTS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN MICE FED WITH CAFETERIA DIET

The aim of our study was to determine the ability of broccoli sprouts to influence the intensity of lipid peroxidation in mice fed a high-calorie cafeteria diet. Materials and methods. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were used. For determinatiom of lipid peroxides (LOOH), we used a method based on the ability of lipid peroxides to convert Fe2+to Fe3+. Then Fe3+ forms a complex with xylenol orange that absorbs light at 580 nm at low pH. The reaction mixture contained coumene hydroperoxide (1 mM), FeSO4*7H2O(1 M), xylenol (4 mM), water and supernatant. Differences between groups were analyzed by Duncan’s test for multiple comparision. Results. During the experiment, we monitored the changes in body mass of mice fed with different diets. There were no differences in LOOH levels in cortexes of mice from all experimental groups, but there was a tendency to the lower content of LOOH in the brain of mice fed with cafeteria diet and broccoli. No statistical differences in levels of LOOH were found between groups, but LOOH levels tended to the highest in the groups fed with broccoli sprouts alone and cafeteria diet. A significant difference was observed in the muscles (C) between the broccoli sprout group and the cafeteria diet + broccoli group. We also found a significant difference between the group fed with the cafeteria diet and the cafeteria diet + broccoli, which may indicate protective effects of broccoli on lipid peroxidation on cafeteria diet. Conclusions. Mice fed with cafeteria diet and broccoli spouts had higher body mass than control mice fed with standard group. Hypothalamus of mice fed with standard diet with broccoli spouts or with cafeteria diet showed a tendency to higher LOOH levels, whereas no effects of the diets were found on cortexes LOOH levels. The cafeteria diet + broccoli group had the lowest muscle LOOH content compared to all other groups. Also, LOOH levels tended to be lower in the cortexes in the hypothalamus of mice fed with cafeteria diet + broccoli as compared with the cafeteria diet group. This suggests the potential protective effects of broccoli spouts.

Maternal and food microbial sources shape the infant microbiome of a rural Ethiopian population

The human microbiome seeding starts at birth, when pioneer microbes are acquired mainly from the mother. Mode of delivery, antibiotic prophylaxis, and feeding method have been studied as modulators of mother-to-infant microbiome transmission, but other key influencing factors like modern westernized lifestyles with high hygienization, high-calorie diets, and urban settings, compared with non-westernized lifestyles have not been investigated yet. In this study, we explored the mother-infant sharing of characterized and uncharacterized microbiome members via strain-resolved metagenomics in a cohort of Ethiopian mothers and infants, and we compared them with four other cohorts with different lifestyles. The westernized and non-westernized newborns' microbiomes composition overlapped during the first months of life more than later in life, likely reflecting similar initial breast-milk-based diets. Ethiopian and other non-westernized infants shared a smaller fraction of the microbiome with their mothers than did most westernized populations, despite showing a higher microbiome diversity, and uncharacterized species represented a substantial fraction of those shared in the Ethiopian cohort. Moreover, we identified uncharacterized species belonging to the Selenomonadaceae and Prevotellaceae families specifically present and shared only in the Ethiopian cohort, and we showed that a locally produced fermented food, injera, can contribute to the higher diversity observed in the Ethiopian infants' gut with bacteria that are not part of the human microbiome but are acquired through fermented food consumption. Taken together, these findings highlight the fact that lifestyle can impact the gut microbiome composition not only through differences in diet, drug consumption, and environmental factors but also through its effect on mother-infant strain-sharing patterns.

Differences in gut microbiota and its metabolic function among different fasting plasma glucose groups in Mongolian population of China

BackgroundMany studies reported the association between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), but it is still unclear which bacterial genus plays a key role and how the metabolic function of gut microbiota changes in the occurrence and development of T2D. Besides, there is a high diabetic prevalence in Mongolian population, which may be partly affected by their high calorie diet. This study identified the main bacterial genus influencing T2D in Mongolian population, and analyzed the changes of metabolic function of gut microbiome. The association between dietary factors and the relative abundance of main bacterial genus and its metabolic function was also studied.MethodsDietary surveys and gut microbiota test were performed on 24 Mongolian volunteers that were divided into T2D (6 cases), PRET2D (6 cases) and Control group (12 cases) according to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values. The relative abundance and metabolic function of gut microbiome from their fecal samples were measured by metagenomic analysis. Statistic method was used to evaluate the association between dietary factors and the relative abundance of the main bacterial genus or its metabolic function.ResultsThis study found that the Clostridium genus may be one of the key bacterial genera affecting the process of T2D. First, the relative abundance of Clostridium genus was significantly different among the three groups. Second, there was a higher relative abundance of metabolic enzymes of gut bacteria in PRET2D and T2D group than that in Control group. Third, a strong correlation between Clostridium genus and many metabolic enzymes was uncovered, many of which may be produced by the Clostridium. Last, carotene intake daily was negatively correlated with the Clostridium but positively correlated with tagaturonate reductase catalyzing interconversions of pentose and glucuronate.ConclusionsThe gut Clostridium genus may play an important role in the development of T2D and it could be a potential biomarker for T2D in Mongolian population. Meanwhile, the metabolic function of gut bacteria has changed during the early stage of T2D and the changes in carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid or energy metabolism of Clostridium genus may play a critical role. In addition, the carotene intake may affect reproduction and metabolic function of Clostridium genus.

Study the predicators and risk factors for formation of gallstones in a sample of asymptomatic Iraqi patients in Baghdad

Background: A gallbladder stone (GBS) is a foremost reason of morbidity worldwide. Majority of the cases are asymptomatic (>80%). Gallstones can be divided into three main types: cholesterol, pigment and mixed stones. The documented risk factors for GBS mostly are the advanced age, female gender, obesity, high-caloric diets and oral contraceptive, all of these can increase the lithogenicity of bile. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study was conducted at general surgical consultation departments in two major multispecialty hospitals in Baghdad (Al-Yarmook and Al Karama Teaching Hospitals) and in different health centers in Baghdad and through an online survey between February 2022 and February 2023. The study sample included 225 participants of both genders. The study questionnaires were sent through electronic format to the participants and the questions were asked to the others directly with enough time to respond well. The target population was all segments of society in the city of Baghdad. Results: The 225 patients were collected which their age range from 18 to 80 years of age. According to the collected data which showed that the percentage of GBS higher in female than male in value (54.2%) while for male (45.8%). Additionally, also it was found that the residence place has an important impact for this study and it presented that residency in urban places was (96.9%) which is higher than rural places which was only (3.1%). Also, most of patients were with: collage education (73.8%), non-employed (52.9%), middle-income class (72.4%). The results showed significant result (p<0.05) and good association between age, and type of stones present (solitary or multiple); but for the gender, education level, occupation status, residence, socioeconomic class the results was non-significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of asymptomatic gallstone was relatively high in this region. Female gender, age, high cholesterol level, family history of gallstones, and increased BMI independent risk factors for gallstones formation.

Influence of a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet on age-related changes in the myocardium in rats

The increase in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders associated with longevity actualizes the study of the effect of high-calorie diets on heart aging.Aim: the experimental study of the effect of a high-carbohydrate hig -fat diet on the myocardium in young and old age.Material and Methods. A morphological study of the myocardium was carried out in four groups of male Wistar rats: group 1 - 150-day-old animals were kept on a standard diet; 2nd - 150 days, kept at a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHFD) for 90 days (from 60 days of age); 3rd - 540 days old, kept on a standard diet; 4th - 540 days old, kept at HCHFD for 90 days (from450 days of age). ELISA method in blood serum was used to determine the concentration of fibronectin, transforming growth factor beta-1, connective tissue growth factor.Results. In groups 2-4, leukostasis, focal lympho-monocytic infiltration of the myocardial stroma, an increase in the number of myocardial cells with karyopyknosis and edema of the perinuclear zone of the sarcoplasm, contracture disorders, and an increase in the specific volume of the connective tissue of the stroma were detected. The defeat of myocardial cells and fibrosis were most pronounced in group 4. HCHFD increased the concentration of fibronectin in animals in both age groups with predominance in group 4, caused a tendency to increase the content of transforming growth factor beta-1, connective tissue growth factor in blood serum. Thus, HCHFD accelerates and enhances age-related changes in the white rat myocardium.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids-rich dietary lipid prevents high fat diet-induced obesity in mice

Diet is the primary factor affecting host nutrition and metabolism, with excess food intake, especially high-calorie diets, such as high-fat and high-sugar diets, causing an increased risk of obesity and related disorders. Obesity alters the gut microbial composition and reduces microbial diversity and causes changes in specific bacterial taxa. Dietary lipids can alter the gut microbial composition in obese mice. However, the regulation of gut microbiota and host energy homeostasis by different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in dietary lipids remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that different PUFAs in dietary lipids improved host metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. The intake of the different PUFA-enriched dietary lipids improved metabolism in HFD-induced obesity by regulating glucose tolerance and inhibiting colonic inflammation. Moreover, the gut microbial compositions were different among HFD and modified PUFA-enriched HFD-fed mice. Thus, we have identified a new mechanism underlying the function of different PUFAs in dietary lipids in regulating host energy homeostasis in obese conditions. Our findings shed light on the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders by targeting the gut microbiota.

Liver Ultrasound Elastography in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A State-of-the-Art Summary.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease which is currently the most common hepatic disorder affecting up to 38% of the general population with differences according to age, country, ethnicity and sex. Both genetic and acquired risk factors such as a high-calorie diet or high intake of saturated fats have been associated with obesity, diabetes and, finally, NAFLD. A liver biopsy has always been considered essential for the diagnosis of NAFLD; however, due to several limitations such as the potential occurrence of major complications, sampling variability and the poor repeatability in clinical practice, it is considered an imperfect option for the evaluation of liver fibrosis over time. For these reasons, a non-invasive assessment by serum biomarkers and the quantification of liver stiffness is becoming the new frontier in the management of patients with NAFLD and liver fibrosis. We present a state-of-the-art summary addressing the methods for the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients, particularly the ultrasound-based techniques (transient elastography, ARFI techniques and strain elastography) and their optimal cut-off values for the staging of liver fibrosis.