Nutritional Alterations Research Articles

Maternal nutritional history modulates the hepatic IGF–IGFBP axis in adult male rat offspring

Alterations in early life nutrition lead to an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in offspring. We have shown that both relative maternal undernutrition (UN) and maternal obesity result in metabolic derangements in offspring, independent of the postnatal dietary environment. Since insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) has been shown to be independently associated with obesity and diabetes risk, we examined the IGF-IGFBP axis in male rat offspring following either maternal UN or maternal obesity to explain possible common pathways in the development of metabolic disorders. Wistar rats were time-mated and fed either a control diet (CONT), 50 % of CONT (UN) or a high-fat (HF) diet throughout pregnancy. Male offspring were weaned onto a standard chow diet and blood and tissues were collected at postnatal day 160. Plasma and hepatic tissue samples were analysed for key players in the IGF-IGFBP system. Both maternal UN and HF resulted in increased fat mass, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and altered blood lipid profiles in offspring compared to CONT. Circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP3 levels and hepatic mRNA expression of IGFBP1 and IGFBP2 were significantly decreased in UN and HF offspring compared to CONT. DNA methylation of the IGFBP2 promotor region was similar between maternal dietary groups. Although chaperone gene heat-shock protein 90 and hepatic IGFBP1 were significantly correlated in CONT offspring this effect was absent in both UN and HF offspring. In conclusion, this study is one of the first to directly compare two experimental models of developmental programming representing both ends of the maternal dietary spectrum. Our data suggest that two disparate nutritional models that elicit similar adverse metabolic phenotypes in offspring are characterised by common alterations in the IGF-IGFBP pathway.

Nutritional status and metabolic disorders in HIV-exposed uninfected prepubertal children

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status and metabolic alterations in HIV-exposed uninfected (HIVe) children compared with HIV-unexposed (HIVn) children. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 76 children distributed into two groups: HIVe (n = 31) and HIVn (n = 45). Biochemical data (hematologic test, lipid profile, insulin resistance, hepatic profile, and C-reactive protein) were evaluated. Anthropometric parameters and body composition analyses were performed. ResultsThe groups were similar regarding body mass index-for-age z-scores (P = 0.297) and height-for-age z-scores (P = 0.666). HIVe had a higher dyslipidemia prevalence (38.7% versus 11.1%; P = 0.010), altered total cholesterol (TC) values (19.4% versus 2.2%; P = 0.016) higher LDL-C mean levels (97.8 mg/dl versus 86 mg/dl; P = 0.028), borderline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (40% versus 14%; P = 0.011) and TC (41.9% versus 20%; P = 0.038) compared with HIVn. ConclusionDespite the similar nutritional status between groups, our data clearly demonstrated a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, altered TC, higher LDL-C levels and also LDL-C and TC borderline values in HIVe children.

Preweaning Growth Hormone Treatment Ameliorates Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Adult Male Offspring Following Maternal Undernutrition

It is well established that early-life nutritional alterations lead to increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders in adult life. Although it is clear that obesity gives rise to chronic low-grade inflammation, there is little evidence regarding the role of inflammation in the adipose tissue of undernourished (UN) offspring. GH reduces fat mass and has antiinflammatory properties. The present study examined the effect of maternal UN on adipose inflammation in adult offspring and whether GH treatment during a critical period of developmental plasticity could ameliorate metabolic dysfunction associated with a poor start to life. Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to chow (C) or UN (50% ad libitum; UN) diet throughout gestation. Male C and UN pups received saline (control saline [CS]/UN) or GH (2.5 μg/g/d; control growth hormone [CGH]/undernourished growth hormone [UNGH]) from days 3-21. Postweaning males were further randomized and fed either chow or high-fat diet until day 160. An ex vivo glucose uptake assay demonstrated adipose tissue from UN offspring displayed attenuated insulin-stimulated glucose uptake compared with CS, CGH, and UNGH. This was associated with increased insulin receptor, glucose transporter 4, and insulin receptor substrate 1 gene expression. Furthermore, UN demonstrated enhanced TNFα and IL-1β secretion from adipose explants and stromal vascular fraction cultures accompanied by increased adipose tissue gene expression of several key proinflammatory genes and markers of macrophage infiltration. Overall, UN offspring displayed a more potent immunophenotype, which correlated with decreased insulin sensitivity. Preweaning GH treatment negates these detrimental effects, indicating the potential for reversing metabolic dysfunction in UN adult offspring.

Left Ventricular Assist Device Effects on Metabolic Substrates in the Failing Heart

BackgroundHeart failure patients have inadequate nutritional intake and alterations in metabolism contributing to an overall energy depleted state. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is a common and successful intervention in patients with end-stage heart failure. LVAD support leads to alterations in cardiac output, functional status, neurohormonal activity and transcriptional profiles but the effects of LVADs on myocardial metabolism are unknown. This study set out to measure cardiac metabolites in non-failing hearts, failing hearts, and hearts post-LVAD support.MethodsThe study population consisted of 8 non-ischemic failing (at LVAD implant) and 8 post-LVAD hearts, plus 8 non-failing hearts obtained from the tissue bank at the University of Colorado. NMR spectroscopy was utilized to evaluate differences in myocardial energy substrates. Paired and non-paired t-tests were used to determine differences between the appropriate groups.ResultsGlucose and lactate values both decreased from non-failing to failing hearts and increased again significantly in the (paired) post-LVAD hearts. Glutamine, alanine, and aromatic amino acids decreased from non-failing to failing hearts and did not change significantly post-LVAD. Total creatine and succinate decreased from non-failing to failing hearts and did not change significantly post-LVAD.DiscussionMeasured metabolites related to glucose metabolism are diminished in failing hearts, but recovered their values post-LVAD. This differed from the amino acid levels, which decreased in heart failure but did not recover following LVAD. Creatine and the citric acid cycle intermediate succinate followed a similar pattern as the amino acid levels.

Maternal anemia induces changes in immunological and nutritional components of breast milk

Objective: The effects of low maternal hemoglobin levels on the immunological and nutritional components of breast milk at different maturation stages were investigated.Methods: Colostrum, transitional and mature milk were collected from 25 mothers with normal hemoglobin levels (control group) and 18 mothers with hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL (anemia group). Total protein, antibodies, complement proteins, fat and calorie, lipase, iron, transferrin levels, total iron-binding capacity, latent iron-binding capacity (LIBC) and transferrin saturation index (TSI) were determined.Results: In contrast to the control group, anemic mothers had higher total protein levels in milk, lower IgA and IgG levels in colostrum, lower C3 protein levels in milk, lower C4 protein levels in colostrum and transitional milk, higher fat in the colostrum and lower calorie content in mature milk. In both groups, lipase was lower in mature milk and iron concentration was similar. Transitional and mature milk from anemic mothers had higher LIBC and lower TSI values.Conclusion: A decrease in maternal hemoglobin levels causes immunological and nutritional alterations in milk at different maturation stages. Special measures must therefore be taken for mothers at risk of developing anemia to ensure they can provide high-quality milk to their babies.

Trastornos del comportamiento alimentario en pacientes de cirugía plástica estética ¿Es o no una población en riesgo?

En la actualidad no se conoce la frecuencia de los trastornos de alimentación en pacientes de cirugía estética, pero se sospecha que sea mayor a la población general. Hay diferentes pruebas o cuestionarios para detectar aquellos en riesgo, siendo el examen mental el que comprueba presencia de psicopatología aplicando criterios DSM IV y CIE 10. La prevalencia de trastornos del comportamiento alimentario ha venido en aumento en la población adolescente y no está claro si es un hecho real o que se ha mejorado la capacidad para detectarlos. No se puede descartar que los estereotipos de belleza actuales hacia una figura corporal más delgada, estén jugando un papel clave en la epidemiología. El conocimiento de los factores de riesgo es de vital importancia para su detección temprana y la toma de medidas preventivas que aseguren mejores resultados terapéuticos. Así se podrían identificar los casos con problemas en el posoperatorio o que no son candidatos para procedimientos quirúrgicos. El tratamiento multidisciplinario es fundamental para corregir las alteraciones nutricionales y mentales en forma paralela.

Síndrome metabólico en adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad

Objetivo: Conocer y cuantificar la presencia de síndrome metabólico en una población adolescente que presenta sobrepeso y obesidad. Diseño: Estudio clínico. Lugar: Servicio de Endocrinología. Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo. Participantes: Adolescentes. Intervenciones: Se estudió una muestra de 195 adolescentes comprendidos entre los 10 a 19 años. El criterio de inclusión fue que presentasen sobrepeso u obesidad, de acuerdo al índice de masa corporal (IMC). Para ello, se hizo uso de la población de referencia de Must y col, con los siguientes criterios diagnósticos: de 85 a 95 percentil, sobrepeso; y mayor del 95 percentil, obesos. El peso, la talla y la circunferencia de la cintura (CC) fueron tomados siguiendo las recomendaciones internacionales. El síndrome metabólico fue definido mediante la recomendación de Cook (triglicéridos > 110, colesterol HDL < 40 mg/dL, glicemia > 110 mg/dL y CC > 90 percentil), la presencia de tres o más de estos criterios indicó síndrome metabólico. Principales medidas de resultados: Síndrome metabólico, sobrepeso, obesidad. Resultados: En 8,8% de la muestra estudiada existió la presencia de síndrome metabólico. Los obesos presentaron mayor prevalencia de síndrome metabólico que los con sobrepeso (22,9 y 3%, respectivamente); el género masculino (24,1%) más que el femenino (2,9%). Los de 15 años y más tuvieron un 9,7%, con relación a los menores, 7,4%. Conforme se incrementaba la CC, la presencia de síndrome metabólico fue mayor. Conclusiones: El síndrome metabólico se encuentra presente en la población adolescente, si bien con prevalencias bajas, pero que están íntimamente relacionadas al estado nutricional (sobrepeso y obesidad). La tendencia de estas alteraciones nutricionales es a incrementarse y como consecuencia mucho más adolescentes presentaran el síndrome metabólico, lo que lleva implícito un riesgo para su salud.

Preoperative Nutritional Deficiencies in Severely Obese Bariatric Candidates are not Linked to Gastric Helicobacter pylori Infection

Severely obese subjects have been found to show a high prevalence of distinct nutritional deficiencies even without any bariatric intervention but the underlying reasons remain obscure. We tested the hypothesis that gastric Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with increased nutritional deficiency rates. Taking advantage of our large database, we identified 404 patients who had undergone a gastroscopy--as a standard diagnostic assessment before bariatric surgery--along with a histological examination of gastric mucosal biopsies with concurrent nutritional blood measurements. Eighty-five (21 %) of the obese patients included in the study displayed a gastric H. pylori infection. Sex distribution, age and body mass index did not differ between H. pylori+ and H. pylori- patients (P > 0.29). Referring to nutritional markers, neither serum levels of total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, ferritin, zinc, copper, vitamin B12, folate and 25-OH vitamin D3 nor respective deficiency rates differed between the H. pylori+ and H. pylori- patients group (all P > 0.13). Overall, 49.5 % of the bariatric candidates displayed at least one nutritional deficiency. Our data confirm previous reports on high prevalences of nutritional deficiencies in severely obese subjects. However, they do not provide evidence for a contributing role of gastric H. pylori infection to these nutritional alterations.

Nutritional programming of hypothalamic development: critical periods and windows of opportunity.

Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world, particularly among children. Epidemiological and experimental data have suggested that suboptimal nutrition and growth during prenatal and/or postnatal life can have a significant role in the development of obesity and related diseases. Similarly, exposure to malnutrition during perinatal life can result in lifelong metabolic disorders. Although the precise biological mechanisms governing metabolic programming have not been fully elucidated, there is growing evidence that obesity and other metabolic diseases may result from a change in the underlying developmental program of the hypothalamic pathways that regulate energy balance. The hypothalamus undergoes tremendous growth beginning in the embryonic period and continuing through adolescence, and an alteration in perinatal nutrition can affect various developmental processes, including neurogenesis and axon growth, which can lead to abnormal hypothalamic development. Metabolic hormones, particularly leptin, are capable of transmitting signals to the developing hypothalamus in response to alterations in the nutritional environment and may underlie potential maladaptive responses to early metabolic perturbations. A better understanding of the optimal perinatal hormonal and nutritional environment during hypothalamic development may help ameliorate and reverse the metabolic malprogramming of the fetus and/or neonate.

Insecticidal Effects of Acetogenins from Rollinia Occidentalis Seed Extract

From the methanol seed extract of Rollinia occidentalis five acetogenins were isolated, sylvaticin (1), rolliniastatin-1 (2), rolliniastatin-2 (3), motrilin (4) and desacetyluvaricin (5), and evaluated for their toxicity and nutritional alterations on Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). All but one of the compounds produced more than 90% mortality on early larval instars at 50 and 100 microg per g of diet. Sylvaticin caused 15 and 60% mortality at 50 and 100 microg/g, respectively, while the methanol seed extract reached 35 and 50% at 100 and 250 microg/g, respectively. The addition of R. occidentalis methanolic seed extract (100 and 250 microg/g) and sylvaticin (100 microg/g) to the larval diet brought about significant changes to the nutritional indices in connection with larvae fed the control diet. This is the first report on the isolation of acetogenins from R. occidentalis and their insecticidal effects on S. frugiperda.

Quality of life questionnaire related to nutritional status

To build and validate an instrument to measure the perceived quality of life in the nutritional status. By focal groups and interviews with nutrition experts, the dimensions with greater affectation were identified. After the judge test, the CaVEN questionnaire was defined. For its valuation a multicentric study was performed, participating 7 Spanish hospitals. The internal structure of the questionnaire was evaluated by explanatory factorial analysis. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach α coefficient and the validity of the criteria with the nutritional Gold Standards. A questionnaire of 26 items with 6 health dimensions was built. It was applied to 68 patients that were valued in the Nutrition Units. The test KMO was 0.756, showing a good accuracy in the Factorial Analysis. The existence of principal dimension of inertia was found (Bartlett p < 0.01). The 6 dimensions showed an accumulative variance of 77.670. It was observed a direct relationship in the Subjective Global Valuation and CaVEN (p < 0.01) and with the "Mini Nutritional Assessment Short" (p = 0.02), which was interpreted as the greater affectation of the nutritional status, the lower the quality of life detected by the CaVEN. The CaVEN questionnaire has proved a useful tool for assessing the quality of life related to nutritional status, even in groups with little nutritional alterations.

Alteration in Neonatal Nutrition Causes Perturbations in Hypothalamic Neural Circuits Controlling Reproductive Function

It is increasingly accepted that alterations of the early life environment may have lasting impacts on physiological functions. In particular, epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that changes in growth and nutrition during childhood and adolescence can impair reproductive function. However, the precise biological mechanisms that underlie these programming effects of neonatal nutrition on reproduction are still poorly understood. Here, we used a mouse model of divergent litter size to investigate the effects of early postnatal overnutrition and undernutrition on the maturation of hypothalamic circuits involved in reproductive function. Neonatally undernourished females display attenuated postnatal growth associated with delayed puberty and defective development of axonal projections from the arcuate nucleus to the preoptic region. These alterations persist into adulthood and specifically affect the organization of neural projections containing kisspeptin, a key neuropeptide involved in pubertal activation and fertility. Neonatal overfeeding also perturbs the development of neural projections from the arcuate nucleus to the preoptic region, but it does not result in alterations in kisspeptin projections. These studies indicate that alterations in the early nutritional environment cause lasting and deleterious effects on the organization of neural circuits involved in the control of reproduction, and that these changes are associated with lifelong functional perturbations.

Adolescencia como factor de riesgo para complicaciones maternas y perinatales en Cali, Colombia, 2002-2007. Estudio de corte transversal

Objetivo: evaluar la adolescencia como factor de riesgo para complicaciones maternas y perinatales en Cali, Colombia, 2002-2007.Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, realizado en 29.158 mujeres gestantes de 34 años o menores atendidas en los años 2002-2007 en la red pública del municipio de Santiago de Cali en los tres niveles de atención. Incluyó la base de datos del tercer nivel y una muestra representativa del primer y segundo nivel. Se evaluaron como desenlaces maternos: los trastornos hipertensivos, las alteraciones metabólicas, las hemorragias, las infecciones y las condiciones del parto; como resultados perinatales: la infección, la enfermedad de membrana hialina, el bajo peso al nacer, la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino, la muerte intrauterina y las alteraciones nutricionales. El análisis incluyó la exploración de las variables y el cálculo de la razón de oportunidad e intervalos de confianza del 95%, al comparar madres adolescentes y adultas con resultados materno y perinatales.Resultados: la adolescencia es un factor de riesgo para desarrollar eclampsia (OR = 2,09; IC 95%: 1,48-2,94) con respecto a madres mayores de 20 años y es factor de riesgo para restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (OR = 1,23; IC 95%: 1,08-1,41) En contraste, ser adolescente es un factor protector para el desarrollo de preeclampsia (OR = 0,88; IC 95%: 0,08-0,95) y para muerte intrauterina (OR = 0,84; IC 95%: 0,72-0,99).Conclusiones: el embarazo en la adolescencia incrementa el riesgo para eclampsia y restricción de crecimiento intrauterino, no así para otras morbilidades maternas o perinatales.

NMR‐based metabonomics detection of differences in the metabolism of hydrolysed versus intact protein of similar amino acid profile

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomics has only recently been applied to nutritional research. The limitation of any analytical technique is its sensitivity in detecting the smallest variation. Alterations in nutrition often produce only subtle metabolic modulations. The objective of this study was to determine if NMR-based metabonomics could detect variations in the metabolic profile of urine from pigs digesting either native casein (NC) or the same casein that had been enzymatically hydrolysed (EHC). NMR permits simultaneous detection of a large number of metabolites, thus allowing detection of unanticipated metabolic fluctuations that may otherwise have gone undetected with the use of only targeted analysis. Partial least squares discriminant analysis identified significantly (P < 0.05) higher urinary excretions of leucine, valine, taurine and glycine by pigs on the EHC-based diet. NMR-based metabonomics is a sensitive method that can uncover unanticipated metabolic changes brought about by physicochemical changes to the feedstock (i.e. hydrolysis). The data show a lower efficiency of retention by the kidney of some amino acids following ingestion of a hydrolysed protein.

Plasma fatty acids profile in paediatric cancer patients

The small number of cases of cancer in children and the difficulties of research, have contributed to there being few studies on the metabolic and nutritional status of these patients. The main objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional and metabolic alterations in children with cancer, and specifically the plasma fatty acid profile after receiving chemotherapy, compared with a group of healthy children. We selected 12 children with cancer aged between 0 and 16, who had received at least one cycle of chemotherapy, one month before the study and were not end-stage disease. Nutritional survey was conducted, anthropometric measurements, general biochemical analysis and profile of fatty acids in plasma were evaluated. No changes in anthropometric and nutritional biochemical parameters were detected. In the omega-6 fatty acids, lower values of linoleic and docosapentaenoic acid, and higher levels of gamma-linolenic acid, and normal levels of arachidonic acid were observed. In the omega-3, we found normal values of alpha-linolenic acid and docohexanoic acid, and lower values of eicosapentaenoic acid. It seems glimpsed a partial deficiency in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with cancer, good nutrition and having received at least one cycle of chemotherapy. Further research is needed to allow specific supplementations.

Chemical composition of modern and fossil Hippopotamid teeth and implications for paleoenvironmental reconstructions and enamel formation – Part 1: Major and minor element variation

Abstract. Bioapatite in mammalian teeth is readily preserved in continental sediments and represents a very important archive for reconstructions of environment and climate evolution. This project provides a comprehensive data base of major, minor and trace element and isotope tracers for tooth apatite using a variety of microanalytical techniques. The aim is to identify specific sedimentary environments and to improve our understanding on the interaction between internal metabolic processes during tooth formation and external nutritional control and secondary alteration effects. Here, we use the electron microprobe to determine the major and minor element contents of fossil and modern molar enamel, cement and dentin from Hippopotamids. Most of the studied specimens are from different ecosystems in Eastern Africa, representing modern and fossil lacustrine (Lake Kikorongo, Lake Albert, and Lake Malawi) and modern fluvial environments of the Nile River system. Secondary alteration effects - in particular FeO, MnO, SO3 and F concentrations – are 2 to 10 times higher in fossil than in modern enamel; the secondary enrichment of these components in fossil dentin and cement is even higher. In modern and fossil enamel, along sections perpendicular to the enamel-dentin junction (EDJ) or along cervix-apex profiles, P2O5 and CaO contents and the CaO/P2O5 ratios are very constant (StdDev ∼1%). Linear regression analysis reveals tight control of the MgO (R2∼0.6), Na2O and Cl variation (for both R2&gt;0.84) along EDJ-outer enamel rim profiles, despite large concentration variations (40% to 300%) across the enamel. These minor elements show well defined distribution patterns in enamel, similar in all specimens regardless of their age and origin, as the concentration of MgO and Na2O decrease from the enamel-dentin junction (EDJ) towards the outer rim, whereas Cl displays the opposite trend. Fossil enamel from Hippopotamids which lived in the saline Lake Kikorongo have a much higher MgO/Na2O ratio (∼1.11) than those from the Neogene fossils of Lake Albert (MgO/Na2O∼0.4), which was a large fresh water lake like those in the western Branch of the East African Rift System today. Similarly, the MgO/Na2O ratio in modern enamel from the White Nile River (∼0.36), which has a Precambrian catchment of dominantly granites and gneisses and passes through several saline zones, is higher than that from the Blue Nile River, whose catchment is the Neogene volcanic Ethiopian Highland (MgO/Na2O∼0.22). Thus, particularly MgO/Na2O might be a sensitive fingerprint for environments where river and lake water have suffered strong evaporation. Enamel formation in mammals takes place at successive mineralization fronts within a confined chamber where ion and molecule transport is controlled by the surrounding enamel organ. During the secretion and maturation phases the epithelium generates different fluid composition, which in principle, should determine the final composition of enamel apatite. This is supported by co-linear relationships between MgO, Cl and Na2O which can be interpreted as binary mixing lines. However, if maturation starts after secretion is completed, the observed element distribution can only be explained by equilibration of existing and addition of new apatite during maturation. It appears the initial enamel crystallites precipitating during secretion and the newly formed bioapatite crystals during maturation equilibrate with a continuously evolving fluid. During crystallization of bioapatite the enamel fluid becomes continuously depleted in MgO and Na2O, but enriched in Cl which results in the formation of MgO, and Na2O-rich, but Cl-poor bioapatite near the EDJ and MgO- and Na2O-poor, but Cl-rich bioapatite at the outer enamel rim. The linkage between lake and river water compositions, bioavailability of elements for plants, animal nutrition and tooth formation is complex and multifaceted. The quality and limits of the MgO/Na2O and other proxies have to be established with systematic investigations relating chemical distribution patterns to sedimentary environment and to growth structures developing as secretion and maturation proceed during tooth formation.

Nutritional endocrine disorders

Diseases of the endocrine glands highlight the importance of hormonal and nutritional factors in the regulation of metabolism in human beings. The nutritional alterations affect each and every aspect of the functioning of the endocrine glands leading to serious disorders. The last century was marked by the classical deficiency disorders, such as goiter, cretinism, hypothyroidism, and rickets. Industrialization coupled with increased availability of junk food leads to the epidemic of different nutritional endocrine disorders, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Endocrine disruptors are the new kids on the block with a variety of implications ranging from obesity to pubertal disorders. We give a concise outlook on various nutritional endocrine disorders in this review.

Intervertebral disc viscoelastic parameters and residual mechanics spatially quantified using a hybrid confined/in situ indentation method

With advancing age, injury, musculoskeletal pathology or a combination of these, a degenerative cascade of biomechanical, biochemical, and nutritional alterations diminish the intervertebral discs’ ability to maintain its structure and function. While the biomechanics of isolated disc tissues has been investigated across this degenerative spectrum, none have attempted to retain the in situ disc-endplate morphology during compressive tissue characterization. The objective of this study was to spatially quantify the viscoelastic parameters of the intervertebral disc throughout degeneration, including the as yet unreported residual stress/strain. This required the development of a hybrid confined/in situ indentation methodology, which preserves the disc structural morphology. At four locations of the disc (anterior-AF, right and left lateral AF, and NP) stress-relaxation tests were performed using the hybrid confined/in situ indentation method, which utilizes the vertebral endplate as the porous indenter tip. This method allows the endplate to remain interwoven with the disc tissue, retaining its native orientation. Healthy disc tissue exhibited significantly higher residual stress values compared to both moderate and severe degeneration in all locations (p<0.0156). Furthermore, the equilibrium stress at 15% strain (stress relaxation) was significantly diminished with advancing disc degeneration (p<0.0241). The equilibrium viscoelastic parameters show healthy discs encounter higher forces at the same strain level, and are able to maintain this force, where degenerated discs are unable to maintain this force throughout time. This morphology-conserved method provides insight into the spatial compressive mechanical properties of the intervertebral disc across the degeneration spectrum and will aid in modeling these tissue changes.

Dynamic proteome changes in Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 after high pressure shock and subsequent recovery

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most intriguing human foodborne bacterial pathogen. Its survival throughout the food processing chain and its pathogenesis mechanisms in humans remain enigmatic. Living in the animal guts and particularly in avian intestine as a commensal bacterium, this microorganism is frequently isolated from meat products. Ultra high pressure (HP) is a promising alternative to thermal technology for microbial safety of foodstuffs with less organoleptic and nutritional alterations. Its application could be extended to meat products potentially contaminated by C. jejuni. To evaluate the response of Campylobacter to this technological stress and subsequent recovery at a molecular level, a dynamic 2-DE-based proteomic approach has been implemented. After cultivation, C. jejuni cells were conditioned in a high-pressure chamber and transferred to fresh medium for recovery. The protein abundance dynamics at the proteome scale were analyzed by 2-DE during the cellular process of cell injury and recovery. Monitoring protein abundance through time unraveled the basic metabolisms involved in this cellular process. The significance of the proteome evolution modulated by HP and subsequent recovery is discussed in the context of a specific cellular response to stress and recovery of C. jejuni with 69 spots showing significant changes through time.

Perinatal Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Disease

Nutrition and growth during the perinatal period have long-term implications for neonates. The Developmental Origins of Disease Hypothesis states that molecular and cellular events initiated during this period have the potential to impart lifelong phenotypic changes to infants. Undernutrition resulting in intra- or extrauterine growth restriction is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment and lung disease as well as adult-onset diseases, including obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. A proposed molecular mechanism by which early events alter later health is epigenetic modifications to chromatin. One well-studied epigenetic modifier is nutrition. Much of the current evidence associating early nutritional status to epigenetic adaptations stems from animal models. This review summarizes known associations between perinatal nutrition and epigenetic alterations to chromatin. Much work remains in the field to identify how associated histone and DNA modifications contribute to changes in gene expression. It also is important to determine why a particular gene is targeted in the first place. Detailed understanding of these aspects of perinatal nutrition and epigenetics should allow development of specific, targeted interventions.