Manipulation Of Macronutrients Research Articles

Prey killing rate of a generalist predator may be enhanced by macronutrient manipulation

Generalist arthropod predators forage not only to gain energy and nutrients, but also to obtain a balanced intake of macronutrients (the intake target). We test two opposite hypotheses concerning the predation rate of nutritionally imbalanced predators: It will increase (1) if the prey is rich in macronutrients that the predator is short of, or (2) if the prey is low in macronutrients that the predator is short of. We used the wolf spider Pardosa amentata (Clerck) as the predator and nutritionally manipulated Drosophila melanogaster Meigen as prey. We completed a full factorial experiment with eight treatment groups, in which we measured predation, consumption and prey utilization of high-protein (HP) and high-lipid (HL) flies by spiders that were previously treated with either HP- or HL-flies for two or six days. The results supported hypothesis 2. Whether spiders had been previously fed HP-or HL-flies, those that were tested against the same type of fly killed more than those tested against the opposite type of fly. A likely explanation for this result is that the predator will be unable to reach its macronutritional intake target by continued feeding on the same prey. It will stay nutritionally imbalanced and continue to catch prey in an attempt to redress its imbalance. In natural systems, predation rates may thus be increased by the widespread mismatch between predators’ nutritional demands and what is available in prey. In practical biological control, it suggests a beneficial effect of feeding the predator prior to release with the pest it is intended to control.

Nutrition, Training, Supplementation, and Performance-Enhancing Drug Practices of Male and Female Physique Athletes Peaking for Competition.

Escalante, G, Barakat, C, Tinsley, GM, and Schoenfeld, BJ. Nutrition, training, supplementation, and performance-enhancing drug practices of male and female physique athletes peaking for competition. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): e444-e454, 2023-The purpose of this descriptive investigation was threefold: (a) to assess the nutrition, training, supplement, and performance-enhancement drug practices of male and female physique competitors 30 days before competition; (b) to examine the specific water and macronutrient manipulation performed by competitors during the last 3 days before competition; and (c) to assess physiological responses to precontest preparation including body composition, body fluids, resting heart rate, and blood pressure. Competitors reported performing moderately high volume, moderate to high repetition, split-body resistance training programs performed on most days of the week; the programs included the use of a variety of advanced training methods. A majority of competitors included cardio to expedite fat loss, and most reported performing cardio in a fasted state despite a lack of objective evidentiary support for the practice. Competitors substantially restricted calories and consumed protein in amounts well above research-based guidelines (>3 g·kg -1 ·d -1 ); carbohydrate and lipid intake were highly variable. Water was substantially reduced in the final 3 days before competition. Competitors used a variety of dietary supplements throughout the study period, many of which are not supported by research. Both male and female competitors reported using performance enhancing drugs (∼48 and ∼38%, respectively) including testosterone derivatives, selective androgen receptor modulators, and human growth hormone. More research is warranted to elucidate safer and more effective peak week practices for physique competitors.

Lifestyle Interventions for Elevated Blood Pressure in Childhood-Approaches and Outcomes.

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of existing and emerging lifestyle treatments in the clinical management of primary elevated blood pressure and hypertension in pediatric patients. The authors hope to expand the knowledge base surrounding pediatric hypertension and update clinicians on best practices to improve outcomes. Elevated blood pressure is traditionally addressed with broad lifestyle recommendations such as limiting salt consumption and losing weight. This approach is not well adapted for pediatric patients. Novel and often underutilized approaches to the treatment of hypertension in pediatrics include psychological counseling for behavior modification, circadian nutrition, consistent use of interdisciplinary teams, manipulation of macronutrients, stress management, technology-infused interventions, and systemic changes to the food environment. Elevated blood pressure is a pervasive condition affecting cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. Increasingly, pediatric patients are presenting with elevated blood pressure with etiologies known to be affected by lifestyle behaviors. Weight management, dietary modifications, and daily physical activity are well-researched methods for improving individual blood pressure measurements. These strategies can sometimes be as effective as pharmacological interventions at lowering blood pressure. However, compliance with these individual recommendations is not consistent and has led to unsatisfactory results. There are emerging treatment trends that may provide non-traditional and more effective non-pharmacologic routes to blood pressure management in pediatric patients.

Effects of macronutrient intake on sleep duration and quality: A systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to characterise and synthesise the literature that explores the effects of macronutrient manipulation on sleep outcomes in order to provide dietary recommendations for sleep improvement. Intervention studies that evaluated the effects of macronutrient manipulations on sleep were identified using four databases. A study was included if it: (a) delivered a macronutrient-based dietary intervention, regardless of length; (b) included healthy human participants aged 18 and older; and (c) measured some aspect of sleep, for example, duration or quality, in some manner. A total of 17 papers and 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were organised into acute studies lasting less than 24 hours (n=4), longer-term (≥24 hours) studies (n=10), and energy restriction studies (n=5). The greatest amount of support was observed for longer-term administration of higher carbohydrate diets. These interventions positively influenced rapid eye movement sleep; however, non-rapid eye movement sleep was negatively affected. The overall health outcomes of these changes are difficult to assess. Limited evidence suggests higher protein diets under conditions of energy restriction can improve sleep quality, but these effects might be restricted to individuals with overweight or obesity. Current evidence does not support the effects of acute macronutrient manipulation, defined as less than 24 hours, on sleep outcomes. Manipulating carbohydrate intake for at least 24 hours appears to alter sleep outcomes among healthy individuals. Interventions were highly varied and methodological shortcomings were identified. More work is required to fully understand how macronutrient intake affects sleep outcomes.

Iron considerations for the athlete: a narrative review.

Iron plays a significant role in the body, and is specifically important to athletes, since it is a dominant feature in processes such as oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Despite its importance, athlete populations, especially females and endurance athletes, are commonly diagnosed with iron deficiency, suggesting an association between sport performance and iron regulation. Although iron deficiency is most common in female athletes (~ 15-35% athlete cohorts deficient), approximately 5-11% of male athlete cohorts also present with this issue. Furthermore, interest has grown in the mechanisms that influence iron absorption in athletes over the last decade, with the link between iron regulation and exercise becoming a research focus. Specifically, exercise-induced increases in the master iron regulatory hormone, hepcidin, has been highlighted as a contributing factor towards altered iron metabolism in athletes. To date, a plethora of research has been conducted, including investigation into the impact that sex hormones, diet (e.g. macronutrient manipulation), training and environmental stress (e.g. hypoxia due to altitude training) have on an athlete's iron status, with numerous recommendations proposed for consideration. This review summarises the current state of research with respect to the aforementioned factors, drawing conclusions and recommendations for future work.

Effects of macronutrient manipulation on postprandial metabolic responses in overweight males with high fasting lipids during simulated shift work: A randomized crossover trial

Meals consumed out of synchronisation with normal circadian rhythms are associated with metabolic dysregulation. Changes in macronutrient composition of meals can improve metabolic responses during the day. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether macronutrient manipulation of meals alters postprandial glucose and lipid responses and the expression of circadian genes during the night. In a randomised crossover trial, 16 overweight males with high fasting lipids were fed isocaloric meals (2.7MJ) at 0000h. The meals differed primarily in total fat and total sugars content (control (8% total sugar, 5% saturated fat) vs test (16% total sugar, 26% saturated fat)). Postprandial blood samples were collected for glucose, insulin (3h) and triglycerides (6h) and analysed as incremental area under the curve (iAUC). RNA was extracted at 0h, 2h and 4h and changes in expressions of the circadian genes clock and Per 1-3 analysed. Postprandial glucose (p=0.04) and insulin iAUC (p=0.02) were significantly higher after consumption of the test meal compared to the control meal. Postprandial triglyceride iAUC was not statistically different between the two meal types (p=0.72). No change in circadian gene expression was observed after the two meals. Our results showed that macronutrient composition affects postprandial metabolic response at night. It emphasizes the need to consider the role and effects of night time eating, when developing metabolic disease prevention strategies for shift workers. ACTRN12618001115224. WEBSITE OF TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.anzctr.org.au/. Retrospectively registered after data collection.

James Lind Alliance research priorities: what role do carbohydrates, fats and proteins have in the management of Type 2 diabetes, and are there risks and benefits associated with particular approaches?

To assess the role played by carbohydrates, fat and proteins in the management of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes research tends to reflect the interests of academics or the pharmaceutical industry, rather than those of people living with Type 2 diabetes. The James Lind Alliance and Diabetes UK addressed this issue by defining the research priorities of people living with Type 2 diabetes. Three of the top 10 research priority questions focused on lifestyle. A narrative review was undertaken with a structured search strategy using three databases. Search terms included the three macronutrients and Type 2 diabetes. No restrictions were placed on macronutrient quantity or length of study follow-up. Outcomes included changes in HbA1c , body weight, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk. There is no strong evidence that there is an optimal ratio of macronutrients for improving glycaemic control or reducing cardiovascular risk. Challenges included defining the independent effect of macronutrient manipulation and identifying the effects of macronutrients, independent of foods and dietary patterns. Extreme intakes of macronutrients may be associated with health risks. It is challenging to formulate food-based guidelines from studies based on macronutrient manipulation. Structured education should be offered to support individuals in discovering their optimal, individual dietary approach. Recommendations for dietary guidelines should be expressed in terms of foods and not macronutrients.

Seeking salt: herbivorous prairie insects can be co-limited by macronutrients and sodium.

The canonical factors typically thought to determine herbivore community structure often explain only a small fraction of the variation in herbivore abundance and diversity. We tested how macronutrients and relatively understudied micronutrients interacted to influence the structure of insect herbivore (orthopteran) communities. We conducted a factorial fertilisation experiment manipulating macronutrients (N and P, added together) and micronutrients (Ca, Na and K) in large plots (30×30m2 ) in a Texas coastal prairie. Although no single or combination of micronutrients affected herbivore communities in the absence of additional macronutrients, macronutrients and sodium added together increased herbivore abundance by 60%, richness by 15% and diversity by 20%. These results represent the first large-scale manipulation of single micronutrients and macronutrients in concert, and revealed an herbivore community co-limited by macronutrients and Na. Our work supports an emerging paradigm that Na may be important in limiting herbivore communities.

PANCOSMA COMPARATIVE GUT PHYSIOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: ALL ABOUT APPETITE REGULATION: Effects of diet and gonadal steroids on appetite regulation and food intake of companion animals.

The prominent incidence of overweight and obese pet animals not only results in higher morbidity and mortality, but also poses a threat for the quality of life, longevity, and well-being of dogs and cats. To date, strategies to prevent BW gain or to induce weight loss have had modest success in the pet population. In part, due to the complexity and the multifactorial nature of this disease, which involves pet-human interaction, environmental and dietary factors, and an intertwined metabolic process that still is not fully understood. As such, research methods to investigate the role of physiological hormones and dietary management on mechanisms related to the control of feelings of satiety and hunger in pet animals is warranted. Increasing interest exists in exploring gut chemosensing mechanisms, the crosstalk between metabolic-active tissues, and the interface between the gut microbiota and the nervous system (gut-brain axis). The noninvasive nature of research conducted in companion animals focuses on systemic approaches to develop environmental, nutritional, or therapeutic interventions that can be translated from research settings to pet-owned households. Because the majority of the pet population is spayed or neutered, it is important to determine the effect that sex hormones might have on appetite regulation and fasting metabolic rate of these animals. In general, studies have revealed that gonadectomy may establish a new "set point" characterized by increased food intake and BW, accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes. Some studies have also shown associations between gonadectomy and alterations in appetite-related hormones (e.g., ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, glucagon-like peptide-1). Manipulation of macronutrients in diets of dogs and cats have also been investigated as a mean to improve satiety. Most of the research in this area has focused on high-protein diets, predominantly, for cats, and the use of dietary fiber sources of contrasting fermentability and viscosity profiles. Dietary fibers may affect the production of fermentative end products and gut microbiome, digestive and absorptive processes, appetite-related hormones, and promote "gut fill" and satiety. More recent studies have reported profound effects of dietary manipulation on the phylogeny and functional capacity of gut microbial communities of dogs and cats.

Cognitive and behavioral evaluation of nutritional interventions in rodent models of brain aging and dementia.

Evaluation of behavior and cognition in rodent models underpins mechanistic and interventional studies of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, especially dementia. Commonly used tests include Morris water maze, Barnes maze, object recognition, fear conditioning, radial arm water maze, and Y maze. Each of these tests reflects some aspects of human memory including episodic memory, recognition memory, semantic memory, spatial memory, and emotional memory. Although most interventional studies in rodent models of dementia have focused on pharmacological agents, there are an increasing number of studies that have evaluated nutritional interventions including caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and manipulation of macronutrients. Dietary interventions have been shown to influence various cognitive and behavioral tests in rodents indicating that nutrition can influence brain aging and possibly neurodegeneration.

Nutrition and Supplementation in Soccer.

Contemporary elite soccer features increased physical demands during match-play, as well as a larger number of matches per season. Now more than ever, aspects related to performance optimization are highly regarded by both players and soccer coaches. Here, nutrition takes a special role as most elite teams try to provide an adequate diet to guarantee maximum performance while ensuring a faster recovery from matches and training exertions. It is currently known that manipulation and periodization of macronutrients, as well as sound hydration practices, have the potential to interfere with training adaptation and recovery. A careful monitoring of micronutrient status is also relevant to prevent undue fatigue and immune impairment secondary to a deficiency status. Furthermore, the sensible use of evidence-based dietary supplements may also play a role in soccer performance optimization. In this sense, several nutritional recommendations have been issued. This detailed and comprehensive review addresses the most relevant and up-to-date nutritional recommendations for elite soccer players, covering from macro and micronutrients to hydration and selected supplements in different contexts (daily requirements, pre, peri and post training/match and competition).

Persistent influence of maternal obesity on offspring health: Mechanisms from animal models and clinical studies

The consequences of excessive maternal weight and adiposity at conception for the offspring are now well recognized. Maternal obesity increases the risk of overweight and obesity even in children born with appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) birth weights. Studies in animal models have employed both caloric excess and manipulation of macronutrients (especially high-fat) to mimic hypercaloric intake present in obesity. Findings from these studies show transmission of susceptibility to obesity, metabolic dysfunction, alterations in glucose homeostasis, hepatic steatosis, skeletal muscle metabolism and neuroendocrine changes in the offspring. This review summarizes the essential literature in this area in both experimental and clinical domains and focuses on the translatable aspects of these experimental studies. Moreover this review highlights emerging mechanisms broadly explaining maternal obesity-associated developmental programming. The roles of early developmental alterations and placental adaptations are also reviewed. Increasing evidence also points to changes in the epigenome and other emerging mechanisms such as alterations in the microbiome that may contribute to persistent changes in the offspring. Finally, we examine potential interventions that have been employed in clinical cohorts.

Weight loss as a treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD has been associated with obesity and other features of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia. As a result, and with a lack of other effective treatments, weight loss achieved through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) has been promoted as the standard treatment. However, there is very little empiric evidence to support the effectiveness of weight loss for NAFLD. This article reviews the current literature on the effects of weight loss achieved through lifestyle modification or medications on NAFLD. To date, there have been no randomized controlled trials of weight loss interventions on hepatic pathology. Only three published trials (N = 89 subjects), which include a comparison group, have been published. These studies suggest improvement in liver enzymes and/or hepatic pathology; however, direct between group comparisons are lacking. Four small, nonrandomized studies (N = 59 subjects) have evaluated the effect of weight loss achieved with medications (4 of orlistat, 1 of sibutramine) on NAFLD. These suggest some improvement in liver enzymes and histopathology. Finally, a brief review of observational studies on the association between NAFLD pathology or liver enzymes and diet composition suggests a possible role for the manipulation of macronutrients and/or micronutrients in NAFLD treatment. In summary, there is little empiric evidence to support the role of weight loss achieved through lifestyle modification or medication in the treatment of NAFLD. Rigorously conducted, randomized controlled trials are needed in this area.

Isocaloric manipulation of macronutrients within a high-carbohydrate/moderate-fat diet induces unique effects on hepatic lipogenesis, steatosis and liver injury

Diets containing excess carbohydrate and fat promote hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis in mice. Little is known, however, about the impact of specific carbohydrate/fat combinations on liver outcome. This study was designed to determine whether high-energy diets with identical caloric density but different carbohydrate and fat composition have unique effects on the liver. Four experimental diets were formulated with 60%kcal carbohydrate and 20%kcal fat, each in nearly pure form from a single source: starch-oleate, starch-palmitate, sucrose-oleate and sucrose-palmitate. The diets were fed to mice for 3 or 12weeks for analysis of lipid metabolism and liver injury. All mice developed hepatic steatosis over 12weeks, but mice fed the sucrose-palmitate diet accumulated more hepatic lipid than those in the other three experimental groups. The exaggerated lipid accumulation in sucrose-palmitate-fed mice was attributable to a disproportionate rise in hepatic de novo lipogenesis. These mice accrued more hepatic palmitate and exhibited more evidence of liver injury than any of the other experimental groups. Interestingly, lipogenic gene expression in mice fed the custom diets did not correlate with actual de novo lipogenesis. In addition, de novo lipogenesis rose in all mice between 3 and 12weeks, without feedback inhibition from hepatic steatosis. The pairing of simple sugar (sucrose) and saturated fat (palmitate) in a high-carbohydrate/moderate-fat diet induces more de novo lipogenesis and liver injury than other carbohydrate/fat combinations. Diet-induced liver injury correlates positively with hepatic de novo lipogenesis and is not predictable by isolated analysis of lipogenic gene expression.

Anti-inflammatory Dietary Interventions and Supplements to Improve Performance during Athletic Training

Despite the numerous positive effects of physical exercise, some negative physiological changes occur in long-lasting heavy training with transient dysfunction of the immune system, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress. This is the case of elite athletes, who train intensively to compete at the highest levels. However, these athletes can counteract the negative effects of heavy training, reducing acute and chronic inflammations and supporting the immune system, with nutritional and supplementation countermeasures. For this purpose, macronutrient manipulation with an appropriate use of certain supplements can be considered as an intervention to reduce exercise-induced immune changes and inflammatory risk. For example, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may promote such immune responses in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, micronutrients play an important role in immune function; in particular, the antioxidant capacity of several dietary micronutrients (e.g., tocopherols, docosahexaenoate, and flavonoids) is very interesting to support the endogenous antioxidant defense systems of the athletes, counterbalancing the negative effects of oxidative damage due to free radicals. Some of these nutrients have potential anti-inflammatory properties as assessed by the attenuated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).Key Teaching Points• Long-lasting heavy training plan and competition can lead to chronic immune suppression in athletes, increasing infection risk.• Chronic exercise increases mobilization of neutrophils, decreases mobilization of lymphocytes, and decreases the absolute and relative numbers of neutrophils at rest.• Nutritional deficiencies alter the immuno-system and increase infection risk.• Nutrition can influence exercise-induced immune suppression.• Elite athletes competing at the highest levels can benefit from nutritional and supplementation support to improve immunity and reduce acute and chronic inflammations.

Cholesterol-induced inflammation and macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue is reduced by a low carbohydrate diet in guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a high cholesterol (HC) dietary challenge on cholesterol tissue accumulation, inflammation, adipocyte differentiation, and macrophage infiltration in guinea pigs. A second objective was to assess whether macronutrient manipulation would reverse these metabolic alterations.MATERIALS/METHODSMale Hartley guinea pigs (10/group) were assigned to either low cholesterol (LC) (0.04g/100g) or high cholesterol (HC) (0.25g/100g) diets for six weeks. For the second experiment, 20 guinea pigs were fed the HC diet for six weeks and then assigned to either a low carbohydrate (CHO) diet (L-CHO) (10% energy from CHO) or a high CHO diet (H-CHO) (54% CHO) for an additional six weeks.RESULTSHigher concentrations of total (P < 0.005) and free (P < 0.05) cholesterol were observed in both adipose tissue and aortas of guinea pigs fed the HC compared to those in the LC group. In addition, higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the adipose tissue (P < 0.005) and lower concentrations of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 were observed in the HC group (P < 0.05) compared to the LC group. Of particular interest, adipocytes in the HC group were smaller in size (P < 0.05) and showed increased macrophage infiltration compared to the LC group. When compared to the H-CHO group, lower concentrations of cholesterol in both adipose and aortas as well as lower concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue were observed in the L-CHO group (P < 0.05). In addition, guinea pigs fed the L-CHO exhibited larger adipose cells and lower macrophage infiltration compared to the H-CHO group.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study strongly suggest that HC induces metabolic dysregulation associated with inflammation in adipose tissue and that L-CHO is more effective than H-CHO in attenuating these detrimental effects.

Evidence supporting the safety of rapid refeeding protocols, using a food based approach, in a paediatric inpatient eating disorder program

Historically, a cautious approach to refeeding has been taken due to lack of evidence about refeeding syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes following the introduction of a more aggressive feeding protocol in a paediatric eating disorder program. This included commencing at a higher energy intake, more rapid energy increases and macronutrient manipulation of meal plans while maintaining a food based approach. A restrospective audit of 38 Austin Hospital patients admitted for medical stabilisation of their eating disorder, using rapid refeeding proto cols, were compared to previous refeeeding protocols. Thirty-seven patients (97%) were commenced on 8.2 megajoules (MJ) or more and increased to 11 MJ within one week. Previously, 23 patients (60%) had commenced on 6.8 MJ or less. With more intensive feeding 30 patients (79%) gained more than the target of 1 to 1.5 kilograms per week (compared to 35% previously). Evidence of refeeding syndrome was identified and treated in only two patients (5%). Only one patient required a lower energy intake (6.5MJ) with reduced contribution to energy from carbohydrates (40%) due to high risk of refeeding syndrome. These findings suggest more rapid refeeding can be achieved safely with a food based approach in this patient group. This abstract was presented in the Care in Inpatient and Community Settings stream of the 2013 ANZAED Conference.

Nutrition &amp; metabolic syndrome

What we eat defines what we are. The diet and nutrition reflect on health, growth and development of an individual. Nevertheless, lifestyle changes such as dietary habits and sedentary life that have occurred over past few decades resulted in rapid increase of obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities. The cluster of interconnected factors that increase risk for obesity-induced diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases, chronic kidney diseases, hypertension and stroke, and some types of cancer are collectively referred as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Drastic changes in lifestyle have affect on all age groups including in utero . This alarming rise in incidence of MetS is significant cause of disability and premature death. There has been a remarkable increase in the consumption of dietary fats, refined starches and high fructose containing beverages, over the past few decades. The epidemic of obesity across the globe and excess burden of MetS in industrialized and developing countries including India, China and South America, necessitate primary prevention programs and health initiatives. This special issue of ‘Nutrition and Metabolic Syndrome ’ with integration of eight reviews addresses the prevalence of this debilitating health issue and perspectives on dietary modification to promote healthy diets and lifestyles to reduce the global burden of MetS. The review by Philips et al. highlights the importance of stratifying obesity as metabolic healthy and unhealthy obesity in estimating MetS and discussed the determinants and clinical implications of metabolic healthy obesity. The review by Ramakrishnan provides an over view of the role of maternal malnutrition on intrauterine growth retardation and ensuing MetS in the later course of life as a part of fetal metabolic programming in adult diseases. In the third review, Andersen et al highlight the significance of dietary strategies including energy restriction, weight loss and manipulation of macronutrients that can reduce the risk-factors and physiological parameters associated with MetS. The fourth and fifth reviews compare the impact of European and Western dietary pattern on MetS and emphasize the importance to Mediterranean diet in the reduction of incidence of MetS. The beneficial feature of Mediterranean diet is attributed to high olive oil content. They also recommended adopting Mediterranean-kind of diet by other parts of the world where MetS is highly prevalent. The article by Kumar et al reviews the evolution of definition for MetS, association of MetS with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and therapeutic dietary strategies to alleviate the burden of MetS associated CKD. The seventh review summarizes the potential therapeutic role of functional foods in management of various traits of Mets such as weight, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation. The final review in this issue examines the potential use of bioactive compounds from seaweeds as pharmacological agents in treating ailments of MetS. In summary, this special issue of the Journal will provide the readers an insight into some of the latest updates in epidemiology and evaluation ofMetS, and amechanistic basis for MetS associated chronic diseases. This issue also presents information on the use of dietary components and regimens to ameliorate the morbidities associated with MetS. A. K. Pasupulati :G. B. Reddy (*) National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India e-mail: geereddy@yahoo.com

Dietary strategies to reduce metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemias, hypertension, high fasting glucose, chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. This condition has become an increasing problem in our society where about 34 % of adults are diagnosed with MetS. In parallel with the adult situation, a significant number of children present lipid abnormalities and insulin resistance, which can be used as markers of MetS in the pediatric population. Changes in lifestyle including healthy dietary regimens and increased physical activity should be the first lines of therapy to decrease MetS. In this article, we present the most recent information on successful dietary modifications that can reduce the parameters associated with MetS. Successful dietary strategies include energy restriction and weight loss, manipulation of dietary macronutrients--either through restriction of carbohydrates, fat, or enrichment in beneficial fatty acids, incorporation of functional foods and bioactive nutrients, and adherence to dietary and lifestyle patterns such the Mediterranean diet and diet/exercise regimens. Together, the recent findings presented in this review serve as evidence to support the therapeutic treatment of MetS through diet.

Modulation of cholesterol‐induced hepatic steatosis by macronutrient manipulation in guinea pigs

We sought to examine the impact of high cholesterol (HChol) on the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in male guinea pigs and evaluated whether a low‐carbohydrate diet (LCD) could effectively improve hepatic morphology and liver function following a HChol diet. Forty guinea pigs were randomly assigned to consume a HChol (0.25%) (n = 30) or a low‐cholesterol (LChol) diet (0.04%) (n = 10). After 6 wk 20 animals were sacrificed (10 LChol and 10 HChol) and plasma and livers were collected for analysis. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) (290.2 ± 62.27 vs 49.5 ± 11.81 mg/dL), LDL, and HDL were higher in the HChol group (P&lt;0.01). Liver enzymes ALT and AST were also higher in the HChol group and the liver to body weight ratio was higher in the HChol group (P&lt;0.01). Histologically, HChol livers displayed extensive hepatic steatosis while this was not observed in LChol livers. The remainder of the animals were randomly assigned (n=10/group) either to a LCD or high‐carbohydrate (HCD) diet. After 6 wk, no differences in plasma TC or LDL were observed, however AST was higher in guinea pigs fed the HCD and was significantly correlated with plasma TC (r = 0.884, P&lt; 0.05). Additionally, the ratio of liver weight to body weight was positively correlated with plasma ALT only in the HCD group. These results indicate that HChol successfully induces hepatic steatosis and LCD fed guinea pigs appear to have improved liver function relative to HCD.