Ordinary Diet Research Articles

Urine alkalization facilitates uric acid excretion.

BackgroundIncrease in the incidence of hyperuricemia associated with gout as well as hypertension, renal diseases and cardiovascular diseases has been a public health concern. We examined the possibility of facilitated excretion of uric acid by change in urine pH by managing food materials.MethodsWithin the framework of the Japanese government's health promotion program, we made recipes which consist of protein-rich and less vegetable-fruit food materials for H+-load (acid diet) and others composed of less protein but vegetable-fruit rich food materials (alkali diet). Healthy female students were enrolled in this consecutive 5-day study for each test. From whole-day collected urine, total volume, pH, organic acid, creatinine, uric acid and all cations (Na+,K+,Ca2+,Mg2+,NH4+) and anions (Cl-,SO42-,PO4-) necessary for the estimation of acid-base balance were measured.ResultsUrine pH reached a steady state 3 days after switching from ordinary daily diets to specified regimens. The amount of acid generated ([SO42-] +organic acid-gut alkai) were linearly related with those of the excretion of acid (titratable acidity+ [NH4+] - [HCO3-]), indicating that H+ in urine is generated by the metabolic degradation of food materials. Uric acid and excreted urine pH retained a linear relationship, where uric acid excretion increased from 302 mg/day at pH 5.9 to 413 mg/day at pH 6.5, despite the fact that the alkali diet contained a smaller purine load than the acid diet.ConclusionWe conclude that alkalization of urine by eating nutritionally well-designed food is effective for removing uric acid from the body.

Phytosterols and phytosterolemia: gene–diet interactions

Phytosterol intake is recommended as an adjunctive therapy for hypercholesterolemia, and plant sterols/stanols can reduce cholesterol absorption at the intestinal lumen through the Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1) transporter pathway by competitive solubilization in mixed micelles. Phytosterol absorption is of less magnitude than cholesterol and is preferably secreted in the intestinal lumen by ABCG5/G8 transporters. Therefore, plasma levels of plant sterols/stanols are negligible compared with cholesterol, under an ordinary diet. The mechanisms of cholesterol and plant sterols absorption and the whole-body pool of sterols are discussed in this chapter. There is controversy about treatment with statins inducing further increase in plasma non-cholesterol sterols raising concerns about the safety of supplementation of plant sterols to such drugs. In addition, increase in plant sterols has also been reported upon consumption of plant sterol-enriched foods, regardless of other treatments. Rare mutations on ABCG5/G8 transporters affecting cholesterol/non-cholesterol extrusion, causing sitosterolemia with xanthomas and premature atheroslerotic disease are now known, and cholesterol/plant sterols absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, emerges as the drug that reduces phytosterolemia and promotes xanthoma regression. On the other hand, common polymorphisms affecting the NPC1L1 transporter can interfere with the action of ezetimibe. Gene-diet interactions participate in this intricate network modulating the expression of genetic variants on specific phenotypes and can also affect the individual response to the hypolipidemic treatment. These very interesting aspects promoted a great deal of research in the field.

Ingestion of Broccoli Sprouts Does Not Improve Endothelial Function in Humans with Hypertension

Ingestion of glucosinolates has previously been reported to improve endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats, possibly because of an increase in NO availability in the endothelium due to an attenuation of oxidative stress; in our study we tried to see if this also would be the case in humans suffering from essential hypertension.Methods40 hypertensive individuals without diabetes and with normal levels of cholesterol were examined. The participants were randomized either to ingest 10 g dried broccoli sprouts, a natural donor of glucosinolates with high in vitro antioxidative potential, for a 4 week period or to continue their ordinary diet and act as controls. Blood pressure, endothelial function measured by flow mediated dilation (FMD) and blood samples were obtained from the participants every other week and the content of glucosinolates was measured before and after the study. Measurements were blinded to treatment allocation.ResultsIn the interventional group overall FMD increased from 4% to 5.8% in the interventional group whereas in the control group FMD was stable (4% at baseline and 3.9% at the end of the study). The change in FMD in the interventional group was mainly due to a marked change in FMD in two participants while the other participants did not have marked changes in FMD. The observed differences were not statistically significant. Likewise significant changes in blood pressure or blood samples were not detected between or within groups. Diastolic blood pressure stayed essentially unchanged in both groups, while the systolic blood pressure showed a small non significant decrease (9 mm Hg) in the interventional group from a value of 153 mm Hg at start.ConclusionDaily ingestion of 10 g dried broccoli sprouts does not improve endothelial function in the presence of hypertension in humans.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT00252018

Rehabilitation of masticatory function improves the alveolar bone architecture of the mandible in adult rats

Masticatory functional changes have been shown to influence the quantity and quality of the alveolar bone during growth. This study was designed to investigate the effect of masticatory function rehabilitation on the morphology and the trabecular architecture of the mandibular alveolar bone after cessation of growth. Forty-four Sprague–Dawley male rats received soft diet in order to develop masticatory muscle hypofunction. After 21 weeks, after cessation of growth, the animals were divided into two groups: the first group continued receiving soft diet for six more weeks ( hypofunction group), while the second group changed to ordinary (hard) diet with the aim to restore a normal masticatory function ( rehabilitation group). A third group of 16 male rats ( normal group) received ordinary (hard) diet during the whole experimental period and served as control. Micro-tomographic histomorphometry was used to evaluate the architecture of the mandibular alveolar bone (e.g. bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, etc.) at the end of the experiment (27 weeks). The height and width of the alveolar process were measured as well. The alveolar process trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was lower for the animals of the hypofunctional group as compared to those of the normal ( p < 0.01) and the rehabilitation ( p < 0.05) groups. Despite the significant improvement observed in the rehabilitation group, their BV/TV was lower in comparison to the normal group ( p < 0.05) at the end of this experiment. All the other micro-tomographic parameters followed the same pattern of change between groups; values of the rehabilitation group were between the values of the two other groups, differing significantly from both of them. The alveolar process was significantly shorter in the normal group in comparison to both the hypofunctional and rehabilitation groups ( p < 0.05). On the other hand, both the normal and rehabilitation groups were had a wider alveolar process than the hypofunctional group ( p < 0.05). Both alveolar height and width were significantly correlated with all micro-tomographic parameters under study. The rehabilitation of masticatory function led to a significant improvement of alveolar bone architecture in adult rats, although the negative effects of hypofunction were not totally reversed during the period under study.

Effects of duodenal redox status on calcium absorption and related genes expression in high-fat diet–fed mice

Objective This study investigated whether duodenal redox imbalance induced by high-fat diet (HFD) influenced expression of genes involved in transcellular calcium absorption, thus leading to reduced intestinal calcium absorption. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups with eight mice in each group. The control group consumed an ordinary diet (4.9% fat, w/w). The other three groups were fed a HFD (21.2% fat), the HFD plus 0.1% lipoic acid, or the HFD plus an additional 0.9% calcium supplement. After 9 wk, plasma and duodenal oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, and reactive oxygen species were examined. The intestinal calcium absorption state was evaluated through examining the calcium balance, bone mineral density, and calcium metabolism biomarkers. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was carried out to analyze the changes in expression of transcellular calcium absorption-related genes. Results The HFD induced marked decreases in intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineral density of the whole body, accompanied by redox imbalance and increased oxidative damage in duodenum; duodenal expression of calbindin-D 9K, plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA 1b), and sodium-calcium exchanger was significantly down-regulated by 1.9-, 2.7-, and 1.5-fold, respectively. Furthermore, duodenal glutathione and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratios were strongly positively correlated with the apparent calcium absorption rate and the expression of PMCA 1b and Calbindin-D 9K, whereas reactive oxygen species levels were negatively correlated with them. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that a HFD-induced duodenal oxidation state could significantly down-regulate expression of calbindin-D 9K, PMCA 1b, and sodium-calcium exchanger, thus causing an inhibitory effect on intestinal calcium absorption.

Effectiveness and Safety of Dietary Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and safety of dietary interventions for rheumatoid arthritis. Randomized controlled trials comparing any dietary manipulation with an ordinary diet were included. Eight randomized controlled trials with a total of 366 patients were included. One trial found that fasting, followed by 13 months on a vegetarian eating plan, might reduce pain (mean difference on a zero to 10 scale −1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.62 to −0.16). Another single trial found that a 12-week Cretan Mediterranean eating plan might reduce pain (mean difference on a 0 to 100 scale −14.00, 95% CI −23.6 to −4.37). Due to inadequate data reporting, the effects of vegan eating plans and elimination diets are uncertain. When comparing any dietary manipulation with an ordinary diet we found a higher total drop-out of 8% (risk difference 0.08, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.17), higher treatment-related drop-out of 5% (risk difference 0.05, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.14) and a significantly higher weight loss (weighted mean difference −3.24, 95% CI −4.81 to −1.67 kg) in the diet groups compared to the control groups. The effects of dietary manipulation, including vegetarian, Mediterranean, and elemental eating plans, and elimination diets on rheumatoid arthritis are still uncertain due to the included studies being small, single trials with moderate to high risk of bias. We conclude that higher dropout rates and weight loss in the groups with dietary manipulation indicate that potential adverse effects should not be ignored.

174 Dietary Sulforaphane Ameilorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis and Enhances Sulindac-Induced Chemoprotection Against Colon Tumor Formation in Mice

Background and Aims: It has been widely accepted that daily intake of NSAIDs affords chemoprevention against colon cancer. However, long term use of NSAIDs frequently causes serious problems, such as GI bleeding and cerebral vascular events. Thus, it is important to minimize adverse effects of NSAIDs in cancer chemoprevention. Sulforaphane (SFN), a substance rich in broccoli sprouts, shows anti-inflammatory effects by activating nrf2-mediated NF-κB inactivation (Oncogene, 24:4486, 2005). SFN induces apoptosis of cancer cells In Vitro (J Biol Chem 280:19911,2005). Thus, daily intake of dietary SFN may be safe and useful approach to afford long term chemoprotection against inflammation-related colon cancer. Based on these backgrounds, we hypothesized if SFN could strengthen the chemoprotective effects of NSAIDs, thereby we may be able to minimize the dose and the duration of NSAIDs for chemoprevention. In the present study, we examined if SFN modulates NSAID-induced chemoprotection against colitis-associated colon tumor in mice. Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were treated twice with 1% azoxymethane (AOM), followed by for 4 days treatment with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), as previously described. These mice were divided into the following 4 groups. Control Group; No further treatment. Sulindac (SLD) Group: treated with SLD alone. SFN Group; treated with SFN alone. SFN+SLD Group: treated with both SFN and SLD. SLD,160 ppm, was orally administrated during the first 8 weeks after the DSS treatment. SFN-rich broccoli sprout juice, which contains 2.5 mmmol SFN, was orally administrated as the with ordinary diet throughout the experimental period. Mice were sacrificed at 8 and 16 wks after the DSS treatment. Degree of colitis, size and number of colon tumors were quantitatively evaluated. Antioxidant enzyme activity was evaluated by measuring GST-P1, and HO-1 expression by real time RT-PCR. Apoptosis and cell proliferation were assessed by immunostaining with TUNEL and PCNA, respectively. Mucosal inflammation was assessed by histology and by measuring mucosal levels of TNFα and IL-1β mRNA. Results: 1. SLD alone did not affect DSS-induced inflammation, but increased TUNEL-positive cells, decreased PCNA staining, and inhibited tumor formation in colonic mucosa. 2. SFN alone decreased expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, mitigated DSSinduced colitis, and slightly attenuated tumor formation. 3. SFN + SLD attenuated DSSinduced colitis, and markedly suppressed colon tumor formation. Conclusions: Daily intake of SFN improves DSS-induced colitis and enhances SLD-induced chemoprevention against colon tumor in AOM +DSS treated mice.

Reply to the letter by I. Tasci regarding ‘Clinical usefulness of AGEs as a biomarker for the attenuation of NASH’

We appreciate the letter from Professor Ilker Tasci, M.D., showing his interest in our article and making some comments. He pointed that about one-third of the study population had overt diabetes mellitus. Because the base levels of HbA1c were less than 6.5 in the studied population at entry to the study, 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests were undertaken to examine the prevalence of postprandial hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. Accordingly, antidiabetic medications were not administered; only ordinary diet counseling was provided. As a result, none of the patients experienced deteriorating conditions during the study, as shown in the tables in the article. As to the relatively high prevalence of hypertensive individuals, 63% of patients had already been treated properly with calcium antagonists (amlodipine), and this did not change during the study period. The rest of the hypertensive individuals were not treated because their blood pressure levels were slightly above the normal limit. For these reasons, we could not present adjusted information. In this study, because the changes in AGEs levels were not associated with impaired glucose tolerance, we would like to conclude that not only the diabetic condition, but also the oxidative situation affects the AGEs levels, and AGEs might become a candidate biomarker for NASH without overt diabetes mellitus (HbA1c less than 6.5). As Dr. Tasci pointed out, there are reports about the influence of AGEs level medications for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, including our reports. Finally, Dr. Tasci commented that ‘‘atorvastatin should be taken as a safe agent for dyslipidemia management in people with NASH, but more is needed to indicate it as an agent to ‘treat’ NASH with dyslipidemia for ALT normalization and histological recovery.’’ This comment is important, but, because of the small numbers of samples and less recovery of fibrosis, further analyses and randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed. At least we have shown that atorvastatin is a safe agent and has some beneficial effects on histological recovery when managing dyslipidemia patients with NASH.

Using a Fabricated Forearm Free Flap for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Cervical Esophageal Circumferential Defect and Speech Function

Sir: Reconstruction of defects resulting from extensive oncologic surgery of the cervical aerodigestive track in advanced hypopharyngeal cancer is one of the most challenging procedures. In these patients, both functional swallowing and voice restoration are important.1 A 60-year-old man was admitted to our ward in February of 2005 because of a 5-cm nodule (squamous cell carcinoma) over the posterior pharyngeal wall. The stage of the tumor was T3N0M0. After ablative surgery, a 10-cm segmental defect of the cervical esophagus was noted. A fabricated forearm flap was designed based on the defect and the expected length of the phonation tube (Fig. 1). The flap was elevated using the standard method, and the skin paddles of the phonation tube and esophageal tube were repaired with fine Dexon suture to make it a tube (Fig. 2). The esophageal tube was used to replace the cervical esophageal defect. The phonation tube is placed as a curvilinear shape to reduce the amount of retrograde leakage (Fig. 3). The distal part of the phonation tube was placed beside the orifice of the permanent tracheostomy. Microanastomosis was performed with 10-0 nylon. The flap was monitored by the distal part of the phonation tube (Fig. 3).Fig. 1.: Drawing showing the design of the fabricated forearm free flap. The skin flap included two parts, the phonation tube (right) and the esophageal part (left), and was connected with tracheoesophageal puncture. a, 10-cm length of esophageal defect; b, 6-cm circumference of esophagus; c, 2-cm circumference of tracheoesophageal puncture; d, 8-cm circumference of oropharynx; e, 6-cm circumference of outer orifice of phonation tube.Fig. 2.: The esophageal part was rolled be a tube to replace the segmental cervical esophageal defect. The phonation tube (15 cm) was placed as a curvilinear shape. The distal part of the phonation tube was placed beside the orifice of the permanent tracheostomy.Fig. 3.: Transplantation of flap to the neck. The outer orifice of the phonation tube was placed beside the orifice of the permanent tracheostomy, where we could also monitor the flap.The fabricated forearm free flap survived uneventfully and the patient started his diet smoothly (liquid then solid diet) 3 weeks after the operation. The patient refused chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Two years later, he could still take a full diet without any difficulty. The phonation was obtained by diverting the expiratory airflow through the phonation tube to pass the tracheoesophageal puncture into the neoesophagus (Fig. 4) and evaluated by the ability of voice production, phonation efficacy, maximal phonation time per breath, loudness, and grading of wet voice. Speech intelligibility was evaluated by Hirose's classification,2 a five-point rating scale.Fig. 4.: Close-up view of the outer orifice of the phonation tube, 1 year after surgery.Regarding phonation and speech outcomes, the patient was able to produce sounds vocally 3 weeks after surgery. Eighteen months later, the phonation efficacy was 95 percent and the maximal phonation time was more than 6 seconds. The wet voice was graded as mild and the loudness was decreased mildly. The pitch was low and vocal fry sometimes occurred. Regarding speech outcome, the range of number counting was over 15. He could speak at least three syllables per breath. The speech intelligibility of this patient was classified as excellent. Two types of free flaps have been used for reconstruction of advanced cancer of the hypopharynx: the intestinal flap and the fasciocutaneous flap.3–5 Since the 1980s, the radial forearm free flap has been used for single-stage reconstruction of defects after laryngopharyngectomy,4 and it was proved to be a reliable reconstruction. Options for voice restoration with surgical procedures in pharyngolaryngectomized patients include tracheoesophageal puncture and tracheojejunal puncture, with or without prosthesis.1,5 In advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma, the ileocecal valve in ileocolic flap reconstruction3 and the functional tracheopharyngeal shunt in jejunal flap reconstruction5 have also been used. In this report, besides the restoration of swallowing function, we used a phonation tube based on the same fabricated forearm free flap. After 2 years, this patient showed excellent swallowing and could take an ordinary diet. The phonation tube leakage was mild. The phonation efficacy was high and the speech outcome was satisfactory. Shih-Hsin Chang, M.D. Kwang-Yi Tung, M.D. Hung-Tao Hsiao, M.D. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Mackay Memorial Hospital Taipei, Taiwan Jehn-Chuan Lee, M.D. Department of Otolaryngology Mackay Memorial Hospital Taipei, Taiwan Cheng-Chien Yang, M.D. Department of Otolaryngology Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Department of Speech and Hearing Disorders and Sciences National Taipei College of Nursing Taipei, Taiwan

Lack of association between dietary fructose and hyperuricemia risk in adults

BackgroundHigh serum uric acid concentration (hyperuricemia) has been studied for its relationship with multiple adverse health outcomes, such as metabolic syndrome. Intervention studies have produced inconsistent outcomes for the relationship between fructose intake and serum uric acid concentration.MethodsThe association of dietary fructose intake with hyperuricemia risk in adults was examined using logistic regression and U.S. NHANES 1999-2004 databases. A total of 9,384 subjects, between the ages 20 and 80 years, without diabetes, cancer, or heart disease, were included.ResultsThe highest added or total fructose intake (quartiles by grams or % energy) was not associated with an increase of hyperuricemia risk compared to the lowest intake with or without adjustment (odds ratios = 0.515-0.992). The associations of alcohol and fiber intakes with the risk were also determined. Compared to the lowest intake, the highest alcohol intake was associated with increased mean serum uric acid concentration (up to 16%, P < 0.001) and hyperuricemia risk (odds ratios = 1.658-1.829, P = 0.057- < 0.001); the highest fiber intake was correlated with decreases of uric acid concentration (up to 7.5%, P < 0.002) and lower risk (odds ratios = 0.448-0.478, P = 0.001- < 0.001). Adults who were over 50 y old, male, or obese had significantly greater risk.ConclusionsThe data show that increased dietary fructose intake was not associated with increased hyperuricemia risk; while increased dietary alcohol intake was significantly associated with increased hyperuricemia risk; and increased fiber intake was significantly associated with decreased hyperuricemia risk. These data further suggest a potential effect of fructose consumption in an ordinary diet on serum uric acid differs from results found in some short-term studies using atypical exposure and/or levels of fructose administration.

The Effect of Adding Thyme vulgaris and Cinnamomun zeylanicum on production performance and some blood traits in broiler chicken

This experiment was carried out at poultry house, college of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad university,Which lasted 42 days, to by adding Thymus vulgaris the used part (Leaves, Steams and Flowers) andCinnamomum zeylanicum the used part (bark) to the concentrate diet for the experimental period for 6 weeks.The study was aimed to find out the effect of thyme or cinnamon on productive, physiological blood traits ofbroilers by using 150 unsexing Arbor Acres chicks at the age of one day. These chicks were randomly dividedinto five group equally (30 chicks each). Each group was subdivided into two equal subgroup. And fed on thefollowing ration.1-The first group was fed on ordinary diet kept as a control group.2- The second group was fed on the same ration by adding 0.5% of thyme.3- The third group was fed on the same ration by adding 1% of thyme.4- The fourth group was fed on the same ration by adding 0.5% of cinnamon.5- The fifth group was fed on the same ration by adding 1% of cinnamon.The feeding period for all groups lasted 42 days, the results revealed that There is an improving inperformance traits for all treated groups compared with control group. However, the chicks fed 0.5% thymeshould better in weekly gain period feed conversion efficiency than those fed 1% thyme. In the mean time thechicks fed 1% cinnamon should significantly higher in weekly gain and fed conversion efficiency then those fed0.5% cinnamon.However, by adding thyme or cinnamon to diet cause an improving in blood traits compared with thecontrol group. The best improving in white blood cell, were obtained in the chicks fed 1% cinnamon and theyshould significantly low better stress coefficient.

The Effect of Adding Thyme vulgaris and Cinnamomun zeylanicum on production performance and some blood traits in broiler chicken

This experiment was carried out at poultry house, college of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad university,Which lasted 42 days, to by adding Thymus vulgaris the used part (Leaves, Steams and Flowers) andCinnamomum zeylanicum the used part (bark) to the concentrate diet for the experimental period for 6 weeks.The study was aimed to find out the effect of thyme or cinnamon on productive, physiological blood traits ofbroilers by using 150 unsexing Arbor Acres chicks at the age of one day. These chicks were randomly dividedinto five group equally (30 chicks each). Each group was subdivided into two equal subgroup. And fed on thefollowing ration.1-The first group was fed on ordinary diet kept as a control group.2- The second group was fed on the same ration by adding 0.5% of thyme.3- The third group was fed on the same ration by adding 1% of thyme.4- The fourth group was fed on the same ration by adding 0.5% of cinnamon.5- The fifth group was fed on the same ration by adding 1% of cinnamon.The feeding period for all groups lasted 42 days, the results revealed that There is an improving inperformance traits for all treated groups compared with control group. However, the chicks fed 0.5% thymeshould better in weekly gain period feed conversion efficiency than those fed 1% thyme. In the mean time thechicks fed 1% cinnamon should significantly higher in weekly gain and fed conversion efficiency then those fed0.5% cinnamon.However, by adding thyme or cinnamon to diet cause an improving in blood traits compared with thecontrol group. The best improving in white blood cell, were obtained in the chicks fed 1% cinnamon and theyshould significantly low better stress coefficient.

Dietary nitrate in Japanese traditional foods lowers diastolic blood pressure in healthy volunteers

Background Japanese longevity is the highest in the world. This is partly explained by low occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, which in turn is attributed to the Japanese traditional diet (JTD). Recent research demonstrates that nitric oxide (NO), a key regulator of vascular integrity, can be generated from nitrate (NO 3 −), abundantly found in vegetables. It can reduce blood pressure (BP) via its serial reduction to nitrite (NO 2 −) and to bioactive NO. Interestingly, JTD is extremely rich in nitrate and the daily consumption is higher than in any other known diet. Objective and design In a randomized, cross-over trial we examined the effect of a 10-day period of JTD on blood pressure in 25 healthy volunteers. Traditional Japanese vegetables were encouraged to be consumed and avoided during the control period. Daily nitrate intake was calculated. Results Nitrate naturally provided by the JTD was 18.8 mg/kg/bw/day, exceeding the Acceptable Daily Intake by five times (ADI, 3.7 mg/kg/bw). Plasma and salivary levels of nitrate and nitrite were higher at the end of the JTD period. Diastolic BP decreased on average 4.5 mm Hg during JTD compared to the control diet ( P = 0.0066) while systolic BP was not affected. This effect was evident in normotensive subjects and similar to that seen in the recent studies. Conclusions An ordinary nitrate rich diet may positively affect blood pressure. Our findings further support the importance of the role of dietary nitrate on BP regulation suggesting one possible explanation of healthy aspects of traditional Japanese food.

Chemopreventative effect of an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, ONO-1714, on inflammation-associated biliary carcinogenesis in hamsters

The present study was designed to investigate whether an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-specific inhibitor, ONO-1714 [(1S, 5S, 6R, 7R)-7-chloro-3-imino-5-methyl-2-azabicyclo[4.1.0] heptane], could prevent inflammation-associated biliary carcinogenesis in bilioenterostomized hamsters. Syrian golden hamsters underwent choledochojejunostomy and then received subcutaneous injections of the chemical carcinogen N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine every 2 weeks at a dose of 10 mg/kg body wt, starting 4 weeks after surgery and continuing for 18 weeks. The hamsters were divided into two groups according to their oral intake of either a standard pelleted diet containing ONO-1714 at 100 p.p.m. for 18 weeks (ONO group, n = 15) or an ordinary diet alone (control group, n = 15). The animals were killed 22 weeks after surgery, and the development of biliary tumors was examined histologically. The presence and degree of cholangitis, cell kinetic status of the biliary epithelium and iNOS expression were evaluated. Intrahepatic biliary adenomas developed in all control animals, whereas they developed in only seven (47%) hamsters treated with ONO-1714 (P < 0.05). Intrahepatic biliary carcinomas were present in 13 (87%) hamsters in the control group and in only 6 (40%) hamsters in the ONO groups (P < 0.05). Histological and immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated a significant decrease in the degree of cholangitis, biliary epithelial cell kinetics and the expression of iNOS in the biliary epithelium in the ONO group in comparison with the control (P < 0.05). These results indicate that ONO-1714 represses N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine-induced biliary carcinogenesis in bilioenterostomized hamsters and inhibits iNOS expression in the biliary epithelium. ONO-1714 may therefore be a promising agent for the prevention of biliary carcinoma in various inflammation-associated biliary disorders.

Influence of different method in the nutrition support in patients with mechanical ventilation

Objective To evaluate the effects of nutrition support in the patients undergoing the mechanical ventilation. Methods 60 mechanical ventilated patients were randomly divided into enteral nutrition (EN)group (20), parenteral nutrition (PN) group (20) and the ordinary group (20), EN and PN groups were given the same energy and the same nitrogen, the ordinary group was given the routine intravenous therapy or ordinary diet. Results Nitrogen balance and pro-albumin concentration in EN group was improved,and the difference was significant. The nutrition cost in EN group was lower than that in PN group but higher than in the ordinary group. Conclusion As far as the clinical effects were concerned, nutrition support approach for the patients who were undergoing ventilator ther-apy is very important. Key words: nutrition support; euteral nutrition; parenteral nutrition; mechanical ventilation

Dietary interventions for rheumatoid arthritis

The question of what potential benefits and harms are associated with certain dietary regimes used in rheumatoid arthritis is an important one for many patients and health care providers. To assess the effectiveness and safety of dietary interventions in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)(The Cochrane Library, issue 1 2008), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and reference lists of relevant articles (up to January 2008), and contacted authors of included articles. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) where the effectiveness of dietary manipulation was evaluated. Dietary supplement studies (including fish oil supplements) were not included. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed the internal validity of included trials and extracted data. Investigators were contacted to obtain missing information. Fourteen RCTs and one CCT, with a total of 837 patients, were included. Due to heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes, baseline imbalance and inadequate data reporting, no overall effects were calculated. A single trial with a moderate risk of bias found that fasting, followed by 13 months on a vegetarian diet, may reduce pain (mean difference (MD) on a 0 to 10 scale -1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.62 to -0.16), but not physical function or morning stiffness immediately after intervention. Another single trial with a moderate risk of bias found that a 12-week Cretan Mediterranean diet may reduce pain (MD on a 0 to 100 scale -14.00, 95% CI -23.6 to -4.37), but not physical function or morning stiffness immediately after intervention. Two trials compared a 4-week elemental diet with an ordinary diet and reported no significant differences in pain, function or stiffness. Due to inadequate data reporting, the effects of vegan and elimination diets are uncertain. When comparing any dietary manipulation with an ordinary diet we found a significantly higher total drop-out of 10% (risk difference (RD) 0.10, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.18), higher treatment-related drop-out of 5% (RD 0.05, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.14) and a significantly higher weight loss (weighted mean difference -3.23, 95% CI -4.79 to -1.67 kg) in the diet groups compared to the control groups. The effects of dietary manipulation, including vegetarian, Mediterranean, elemental and elimination diets, on rheumatoid arthritis are still uncertain due to the included studies being small, single trials with moderate to high risk of bias. Higher drop-out rates and weight loss in the groups with dietary manipulation indicate that potential adverse effects should not be ignored.

Serum concentration of 27‐hydroxycholesterol predicts the effects of high‐cholesterol diet on plasma LDL cholesterol level

The effect of dietary cholesterol on plasma cholesterol concentrations varies widely among individuals. Recent studies suggest that the synthesis of oxysterols is up-regulated when tissue cholesterol is saturated. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that a serum high concentration of 27-hydroxycholesterol, one of the oxysterols, reflects positive cholesterol balance in the body and predicts intolerance to a high-cholesterol diet. In 30 subjects, 750 mg/day of cholesterol was added for 4 weeks to the ordinary diet. Blood samples were collected at the start and finish of the supplementation. Serum sterol and oxysterol concentrations were measured by high-resolution GC-MS. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn and the cutoff point (80 ng/mg cholesterol) was chosen to maximize sensitivity (81.3%) and specificity (64.3%) for predicting a positive change of LDL cholesterol concentration after cholesterol loading. Subjects with higher serum 27-hydroxycholesterol concentrations (>/= 80 ng/mg cholesterol) showed significantly (P < 0.05) high values for the change of LDL cholesterol concentration (+7.4 +/- 3.4%, mean +/- SEM, n = 17) compared with those with lower 27-hydroxycholesterol levels (-5.3 +/- 2.7%, n = 13). In subjects with high serum 27-hydroxycholesterol concentrations were unable to adapt to a high-cholesterol diet. The concentration of serum 27-hydroxycholesterol appears to reflect cholesterol saturation in the body and predicts to some extent a responsiveness to dietary cholesterol.

Effects of Excess Vitamin B1 or Vitamin B2 on Growth and Urinary Excretion of Water-soluble Vitamins in Weaning Rats

To determine the tolerable upper intake levels of vitamin B(1) and vitamin B(2) in humans, we investigated the effects of excess thiamin or riboflavin administration on body weight gain, food intake, tissue weights, and urinary excretion of B-group vitamins in weaning rats. The weaning rats were freely fed ordinary diet containing 0.0006% thiamin-HCl or the same diet with 0.006%, 0.03%, 0.18% or 1.0% thiamin-HCl for 30 days, or the diet containing 0.0006% riboflavin or the same diet with 0.1%, 0.5 or 1.0% riboflavin for 22 days. Mild diarrhea was seen only in the rats fed with 1.0% thiamin-HCl diet. Excess thiamin-HCl or riboflavin did not affect body weight gains, food intake or tissue weights. The urinary excretions of water-soluble vitamins also did not differ among the diets. These results clearly showed that feeding a diet containing up to 1.0% thiamin-HCl or 1.0% riboflavin did not induce apparent adverse effects, and the no-observed-adverse-effect-levels (NOAELs) for thiamin-HCl and riboflavin in rats might be 1.0% in diet, corresponding to 900 mg/kg body weight/day.

Effects of Excess Pyridoxine-HCl on Growth and Urinary Excretion of Water-soluble Vitamins in Weaning Rats

To determine the tolerable upper intake level of pyridoxine-HCl in humans, we investigated the effects of excess pyridoxine-HCl administration on body weight gain, food intake, tissue weight, and urinary excretion of water-soluble vitamins in weaning rats. The weaning rats were freely fed ordinary diet containing 0.0007% pyridoxine-HCl (control diet) or the same diet with 0.1%, 0.5%, 0.8% or 1.0% pyridoxine-HCl for 30 days. The body weight gain in the 0.8% and 1.0% groups, and the total food intake in the 1.0% group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The urinary excretion of pantothenic acid in the pyridoxine-HCl added groups were higher than that in the control group, while excessive pyridoxine-HCl intake did not affect the urinary excretion of other water-soluble vitamins. These results showed that the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for pyridoxine-HCl was 0.1% in diet, corresponding to 90 mg/kg body weight/day, and lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL) was 0.5% in diet, corresponding to 450 mg/kg body weight/day.

Mineral nutrition of modern poultry genotypes

In the latest research relating to mineral nutrition of poultry, the interest in several nutrients is prevailing for which in ordinary diets additional sources are necessary. In mineral nutrition of layers constantly the calcium (Ca) requirements are reviewed as one of the most important factors influencing the quality of eggs and bones, in regard to adequate level, source and particle size of added Ca, as well as mutual balance with other nutrients, primarily vitamin D, phosphorus (P) and certain micro-elements. Also, efforts are directed towards possibility and justification for use of new source of vitamin D, existing recommendations related to P are reviewed as well as increase of possibility for adoption of phytine bound phosphorus in diets using enzyme phytase, as well as investigation of organic forms of certain micro-element sources. Certain researches which combine the latest studies of the mineral nutrition of poultry are especially interesting also for practical application. Contrary to layers, focus of research of mineral nutrition of broilers is on phosphorus and application of enzyme phytase. In general, researches of the mineral nutrition of modern poultry genotypes are always actual, considering that their objective is to support genetic progress with adequate nutrition, but also to solve increasing problems relating to product quality, metabolic disorders and ecology.