Polyunsaturated Fat Research Articles

Consumption of soybean or olive oil at recommended concentrations increased the intestinal microbiota diversity and insulin sensitivity and prevented fatty liver compared to the effects of coconut oil

Diets rich in mono or polyunsaturated fats have been associated with a healthy phenotype, but there is controversial evidence about coconut oil (CO), which is rich in saturated medium-chain fatty acids. Therefore, the purpose of the present work was to study whether different types of oils rich in polyunsaturated (soybean oil, SO), monounsaturated (olive oil, OO), or saturated fatty acids (coconut oil, CO) can regulate the gut microbiota, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, mitochondrial function in wild type and PPARα KO mice. The group that received SO showed the highest microbial diversity, increase in Akkermansia muciniphila, high insulin sensitivity and low grade inflammation, The OO group showed similar insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling than SO, increase in Bifidobacterium, increase in fatty acid oxidation and low grade inflammation. The CO consumption led to the lowest bacterial diversity, a 9-fold increase in the LPS concentration leading to metabolic endotoxemia, hepatic steatosis, increased lipogenesis, highest LDL-cholesterol concentration and the lowest respiratory capacity and fatty acid oxidation in the mitochondria. The absence of PPARα decreased alpha diversity and increased LPS concentration particularly in the CO group, and increased insulin sensitivity in the groups fed SO or OO. These results indicate that consuming mono or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced health benefits at the recommended intake but a high concentration of oils (three times the recommended oil intake in rodents) significantly decreased the microbial alpha-diversity independent of the type of oil.

The under-appreciated fats of life: the two types of polyunsaturated fats.

There are two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e. fats that contain multiple carbon-carbon double bonds) - omega-6 and omega-3. They are not interconvertible, and they contribute 'double-bonded carbons' to different depths in bilayer membranes, with different effects on membrane processes. This Commentary emphasises the importance of these fats for biological membrane function and examines their evolution and biochemistry. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are separately essential in the diet of animals, and they pass up the food chain largely from plants, with 'seeds' being a prevalent source of omega-6, and 'leaves' a prevalent source of omega-3. The dietary balance between these fatty acids has a strong influence on membrane composition. Although this aspect of diet has been little investigated outside of the biomedical field, emerging evidence shows it can alter important physiological capacities of animals (e.g. exercise endurance and adiposity), which has implications for activities such as avian migration and hibernation and torpor, as well as significant implications for human health. This Commentary will focus on the separate effects of omega-3 and omega-6 on membrane properties and will emphasise the importance of the balance between these two fatty acids in determining the function of biological membranes; I hope to convince the reader that fats should be considered first and foremost as the basic unit of biological membranes, and secondarily as a means of energy storage.

DIETARY INFLUENCE OF SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE TWINSUK COHORT

Objective: Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Clinical and population-based studies show that several dietary components affect blood pressure and modification of these nutritional factors provide an important strategy to control blood pressure and reduce rates of hypertension. In this study, we examined the association between different nutrient intake and blood pressure in a cohort of adult twins. Design and method: We included 2252 adults from the TwinsUK registry not on hypertensive treatments with concurrent clinical blood pressure measurements. All subjects completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire facilitating estimated intake of 45 nutrients. Linear mixed models were used to investigate nutrient intake on systolic and diastolic blood pressure adjusting for age, gender, BMI and family relatedness. A Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple testing. A backward linear regression was then used to determine independently associated nutrients. Results: We identified 24 nutrients significantly associated with blood pressure after adjusting for covariates and multiple testing (Figure.1). Of those nutrients, 21 were negatively associated with SBP, 14 were negatively associated with DBP and one was positively associated with DBP. Among those with the greatest association with SBP were: riboflavin (Beta(SE): -1.39(0.34),p = 1.11x10-6), manganese (-0.55(0.2), p = 1.25x10-4) and maltose (-0.35(0.13), p = 1.35x10-4). Intake of manganese (-0.32(0.14), p = 3.85x10-4), vitamin e (-0.13(0.05), p = 3.12x10-4) and polyunsaturated fats (-0.09(0.04), p = 5.76x10-4) had the largest negative correlation with DBP, while, alcohol intake showed a positive correlation with DBP (0.03(0.01), p = 4.16x10-4). From the multivariable model, the following six nutrients were independently associated with systolic blood pressure, explaining 22% of the variance: vitamin b12 (-0.19), biotin (- 0.12), total fat (- 0.13), starch (- 0.03), total sugars (-0.04) and energy intake (-0.01). Five nutrients were independently associated with diastolic blood pressure and explained 14% of the variance, those were biotin (-0.08), magnesium (-0.01), energy intake (-0.00), carotene (-0.00) and alcohol (-0.06). Conclusions: Our findings confirm current understanding and extend the panel of dietary nutrients implicated in blood pressure regulation. Our new findings of dietary factors that affect blood pressure after validation offer additional diet and lifestyle approaches in hypertension prevention and management.

Determination of the prevalence of hypertension and factors associated with blood pressure among hospitalised elderly in Hospital Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Introduction: Increasing trends of hypertension has been recognised as a common disease among the elderly. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and factors associated with blood pressure among hospitalised elderly. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 124 patients in Hospital Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Data on socio-demography, medical background, anthropometry, blood biochemistry and lifestyle were collected through face-to-face interviews and medical records. Dietary intake was obtained through two days of food history. Malnutrition risks and stress level were determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: There were 59.7% males and 40.3% females with mean age of 66.81±5.35 years. Majority were found to have hypertension (72.6%). Approximately 38.7% had normal body mass index (BMI). Most of them reported insufficient dietary intakes except for trans fats, sodium, and caffeine. Nearly 62.1% were engaged with physical activity, 23.4% were smoking, and 4.8% were taking alcohol. Approximately 66.1% and 86.3% were classified as having normal nutritional status and normal stress levels. In this study, the prevalence of hypertension among elderly patients warded in Hospital Serdang, Selangor was 72.6% and factors such as length of stay, number of co-morbidities, number of medications, having co-morbidities of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus, polypharmacy, height, BMI, fibre, polyunsaturated fat, dietary cholesterol, caffeine, and duration of physical activity were found to be associated with blood pressure. Conclusion: The present study found that majority of patients (72.6%) had hypertension. Future studies regarding factors associated with blood pressure are recommended

Simultaneous high nutritional single cell oil and lipase production by Candida viswanathii.

Omega fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fats associated with several health benefits. Lipases are enzymes with potential application in several food processes such as flavor and aroma, surfactants and formulations for the dairy and bakery industries. In this study, single cell oil and lipase production by Candida viswanathii CCR8137 were evaluated simultaneously from renewable carbon sources under nitrogen limitation. Enzyme and single cell oil were obtained in submerged cultivations supplemented with triolein, tributyrin, corn oil, sunflower oil, canola oil and olive oil. The effects of glucose on lipid accumulation, fatty acid profile, enzyme production and cell morphology were also evaluated. The highest lipid accumulation (44.5%, w/w) was obtained from triolein, whereas olive oil was the best inducer of lipase synthesis (26.8 U/mL). Nitrogen limiting cultivations were a key parameter for an organic source which showed higher lipid accumulation and enzyme production than the tested inorganic nitrogen source. Glucose was a poor inducer of lipase synthesis, though increased values of lipid accumulation were observed from this carbon source with a maximum of 63.1% (w/w). The fatty acid profile of lipids produced by C. viswanathii CCR8137 showed a high content of omega-9 fatty acid (C18:1 n-9). The addition of glucose to the culture media resulted in the synthesis of essential fatty acids: vaccenic, linolenic and eicosadienoic acids. Therefore, C. viswanathii CCR8137 strain can be considered as an oleaginous yeast able to accumulate high concentrations of intracellular lipids, which are potential additives for food industry applications as well as being able to simultaneously synthesize high yields of lipase.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Chilean Preschoolers Is Associated With Diets Promoting Non-communicable Diseases.

Introduction: In adults, intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been linked with poor diets and adverse health outcomes. In young children, evidence is scarcer but suggests a higher dietary share of UPF.Objective: To quantify the intake of UPF and its association with the nutrient composition of the diet in a sample of preschoolers in Santiago, Chile.Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of dietary data (24-h recall survey) from 960 preschoolers. Foods were categorized according to the extent and purpose of processing (NOVA classification) and participants were classified in quintiles of UPF intake. We explored the associations between UPF intake (% of the total energy) and intake of nutrients of concern for non-communicable disease development (carbohydrates, total sugars, fats, and sodium), and nutrients for promotion (proteins, polyunsaturated fats, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamins A, D, C, and B12, folate, and fiber) using multivariate regression after controlling for covariates.Results: UPF constituted 49% of the total energy intake. Preschoolers with higher intake consumed more energy, saturated and monounsaturated fats, carbohydrates, total sugars, and vitamin D, compared to preschoolers in the lowest quintile of UPF intake. In contrast, UPF intake was negatively associated with the consumption of proteins, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, zinc, vitamin A, and sodium (p < 0.05).Conclusion: In Chilean preschoolers, UPF was the primary source of energy intake. The dietary share of UPF was associated with the nutrient composition of the diet. Improving children's diet should consider not only promoting healthy food consumption but also limiting UPF consumption.

The impact of a community-based food education programme on dietary pattern in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results of a pilot randomised controlled trial in Portugal.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of a food education programme, with easy-to-implement strategies integrated in a community-based exercise programme, on dietary pattern of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thirty-three patients (65.4±5.9years old) were engaged in a 9-month randomised controlled trial: a supervised exercise programme (control group [CON]; n=15; combined exercise; three sessions per week; 75min per session) or the same exercise programme plus a concomitant 16-week food education programme (experimental group [EXP]; n=18; 15-min. group classes and dual-task strategies during exercise). Dietary pattern was assessed using a 3-day food record at baseline and at 9months. The intake of total fat, polyunsaturated fat, and the daily servings of vegetables significantly increased in EXP compared with the CON group. Retention and adherence to the programme were 54% and 49.5±27.2%, respectively. This food education programme improved dietary pattern of patients with T2D. Special attention should be given to strategies that support participants' attendance.

Stepwise tailoring and test-retest of reproducibility of an ethnic-specific FFQ to estimate nutrient intakes for South Asians in New Zealand.

To develop and test-retest the reproducibility of an ethnic-specific FFQ to estimate nutrient intakes for South Asians (SA) in New Zealand (NZ). Using culturally appropriate methods, the NZFFQ, a validated dietary assessment tool for NZ adults, was modified to include SA food items by analysing foods consumed by SA participants of the Adult Nutrition Survey, in-person audit of ethnic food stores and a web scan of ethnic food store websites in NZ. This was further refined via three focus group discussions, and the resulting New Zealand South Asian Food Frequency Questionnaire (NZSAFFQ) was tested for reproducibility. Auckland and Dunedin, NZ. Twenty-nine and 110 males and females aged 25-59 years of SA ethnicity participated in the focus group discussions and the test-retest, respectively. The development phase resulted in a SA-specific FFQ comprising of 11 food groups and 180 food items. Test-retest of the NZSAFFQ showed good reproducibility between the two FFQ administrations, 6 months apart. Most reproducibility coefficients were within or higher than the acceptable range of 0·5-0·7. The lowest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were observed for β-carotene (0·47), vitamin B12 (0·50), fructose (0·55), vitamin C (0·57) and selenium (0·58), and the highest ICC were observed for alcohol (0·81), iodine (0·79) and folate (0·77). The ICC for fat ranged from 0·70 for saturated fats to 0·77 for polyunsaturated fats. The ICC for protein and energy were 0·68 and 0·72, respectively. The developed FFQ showed good reproducibility to estimate nutrient intakes and warrants the need for validation of the instrument.

Comparison of nutritional status between lacto-ovo vegetarian and non-vegetarian Jordanian adults

Purpose Vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish and poultry and/or egg and dairy products, these diets are based on grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and seeds. The purpose of this study is to compare the nutritional status between lacto-ovo vegetarian and non-vegetarian Jordanian adults. Design/methodology/approach A case-control study was conducted during the period between (April–November 2019). In total, 200 Jordanians in early adulthood aged between 18 and 35 years participated in the present study; 100 subjects were non-vegetarians and 100 subjects were lacto-ovo vegetarians. The ratio was (1:1). Matching between the two groups was done in terms of age, sex and body mass index. A package that consisted of three structured questionnaires: Personal Information Sheet, Food Frequency Questionnaire and Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall were administered to all participants in this study. Findings The concentration of serum vitamin B12 was significantly higher (P = 0.011) in non-vegetarians than lacto-ovo vegetarians. The means of intake of calories (P = 0.003), calories from fat (P = 0.001), calories from saturated fat (P = 0.001), protein (P = 0.001), fat (P = 0.001), saturated fat (P = 0.001), monounsaturated fat (P = 0.022), polyunsaturated fat (P = 0.001), cholesterol (P = 0.001) and omega-6 (P = 0.039) were significantly higher in non-vegetarians. The intakes Mean of carbohydrates (P = 0.001), fiber (P = 0.001) and soluble fiber (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in lacto-ovo vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians. The mean of beta-carotene intake was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in lacto-ovo vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians, although the intakes of vitamin A(RAE) and retinol were significantly higher (P = 0.029, P = 0.001, respectively) in non-vegetarians as compared to lacto-ovo vegetarians. The means of vitamins B2 (P = 0.018), B3 (P = 0.001), B3NE (P = 0.001), B6 (mg) (P = 0.001), B12 (P = 0.001), E-a-Tocopherol (P = 0.001) and D (P = 0.001) intake were significantly higher in non-vegetarians compared to lacto-ovo vegetarians. The mean intakes of vitamins C (P = 0.033), folate (P = 0.005) and K (P = 0.002) were significantly in lacto-ovo vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians. Means intake of some minerals was significantly higher in non-vegetarians than lacto-ovo vegetarians. Originality/value The current study showed that lacto-ovo vegetarians had lower serum vitamin B12 levels. The consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes was higher in lacto-ovo vegetarians than non-vegetarians. While lacto-ovo vegetarian diet provided less fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat and cholesterol than non-vegetarians, it could be considered a rich source for fiber, folate, beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K.

Dietary fat intake and liver cancer incidence: A population-based cohort study in Chinese men.

To date, limited studies have focused on the association between dietary fat and liver cancer risk, especially in China. Our study aims to evaluate the association between dietary fat intake and liver cancer incidence risk in men. Dietary fat intake was obtained through a validated food frequency questionnaire in a Chinese prospective cohort. The Cox regression model was utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After exclusion, 59 998 recruitments were finally analyzed with a total follow-up time of 714 339 person-years, 431 incident liver cancer cases were newly identified among them. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for the highest vs lowest quartile of total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) were 1.33 (1.01-1.75), 1.50 (1.13-1.97), 1.26 (0.96-1.65), and 1.41 (1.07-1.86), and the corresponding P-trend values were .008, .005, .034, and .005, respectively. In the secondary analysis among participants tested for hepatitis B virus, we found that higher intakes of saturated fat and PUFA were also associated with increased liver cancer risks. Besides, high risks of per standard deviation alterations of the total fat, saturated fat and MUFA were detected in liver cancer, and these results were similar to those concluded from the full-cohort analysis. In conclusion, dietary intakes of total fat, saturated fat, PUFA, and probably MUFA might increase liver cancer risks. Our study provides suggestive advice to public administration on dietary suggestions, and related measures taken from managing dietary fat intake might reduce liver cancer incidence.

Effects of nutrition education using a food-based approach, carbohydrate counting or routine care in type 1 diabetes: 12 months prospective randomized trial

IntroductionEvidence on the effects of structured nutrition education is weak in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) with moderately impaired glycemic control. Objective was to compare the effects of...

Greater Scores for Dietary Fat and Grain Quality Components Underlie Higher Total Healthy Eating Index-2015 Scores, While Whole Fruits, Seafood, and Plant Proteins Are Most Favorably Associated with Cardiometabolic Health in US Adults.

ABSTRACTBackgroundHigh-quality diets reduce the risk of cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases. The dietary components that distinguish higher from lower quality diets, and their associations with health, have not been fully investigated.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the component scores that underlie differences in total Healthy Eating Index (HEI)–2015 scores, quantify fatty acid (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated) intakes that comprise Fatty Acids component scores, and assess associations between component scores and cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of data from the NHANES (2001–2016) was conducted. Total and component HEI-2015 scores were assessed in adult (≥19 y) participants who provided one 24-h dietary recall (n = 39,799). Survey-weighted mean component scores by quartile of total HEI-2015 score were determined. Regression analyses were conducted to assess fatty acid intakes across quartiles of Fatty Acids component scores. Separate regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between component scores and cardiometabolic risk factors, after adjusting for demographic characteristics and health behaviors.ResultsScores for components related to dietary fat (Fatty Acids, Saturated Fats) and grain quality (Whole Grains, Refined Grains) accounted for the greatest differences in HEI-2015 scores. Higher Fatty Acids scores were primarily composed of lower saturated and greater polyunsaturated fat intakes. Whole Fruits, and Seafood and Plant Proteins, were most favorably associated with cardiometabolic risk factors including anthropometric measures (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), glycemic markers (Whole Fruits only, P < 0.01), and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (Seafood and Plant Proteins only, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAverage diet quality in US adults is suboptimal. Higher quality diets are primarily distinguished by the types of fats and grain-based foods that are consumed. Interventions targeting dietary components that are most favorably associated with cardiometabolic risk factors—whole fruits, seafood, and plant proteins—may have the greatest impact on disease risk.

Dietary fat intakes and cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Advice regarding the intake of dietary fats is particularly relevant to those with type 2 diabetes, given their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We have undertaken a systematic review of fat intakes and cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes using an online search strategy to 24 April 2020, augmented with hand searching. Searches, extraction, and risk of bias assessments were undertaken by two researchers. The quality of evidence was assessed with GRADE protocols. We identified five eligible prospective studies of 22,591 participants followed for on average 9.8years, and one trial of 14 participants with type 2 diabetes. Limited data were available; however, replacement analyses of saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat (RR for 2% energy replacement 0.87 95% CI: 0.77-0.99) or carbohydrate (RR for 5% energy replacement 0.82 95% CI: 0.67-1.00) was associated with reduced cardiovascular disease occurrence. Higher polyunsaturated: saturated fat intake was also associated with reduced cardiovascular disease occurrence (RR 0.75 95% CI: 0.57-0.98). The quality of evidence was low to very-low. Although only limited data were available, replacement of saturated fats with other macronutrients, such as polyunsaturated fats, was associated with reduced cardiovascular disease occurrence. Supporting evidence from research in the general population increases confidence in these findings. Until more data are available to better comment on dietary fat intakes in cardiovascular disease risk of those with type 2 diabetes, it appears appropriate that saturated fats be replaced in the diet with other macronutrients, such as polyunsaturated fats.

Dietary Fat and Protein Intake in Relation to Plasma Sphingolipids as Determined by a Large-Scale Lipidomic Analysis.

Sphingolipid concentrations have been associated with risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Because sphingolipids can be synthesized de novo from saturated fatty acids (SFA), dietary fatty acids may affect plasma sphingolipid concentrations. We aimed to evaluate dietary fat and protein intakes in relation to circulating sphingolipid levels. We used cross-sectional data from 2860 ethnic Chinese Singaporeans collected from 2004–2007. Nutrient intakes were estimated on the basis of a validated 159-item food frequency questionnaire. We quantified 79 molecularly distinct sphingolipids in a large-scale lipidomic evaluation from plasma samples. Higher saturated fat intake was associated with higher concentrations of 16:1;O2 sphingolipids including ceramides, monohexosylcermides, dihexosylceramides, sphingomyelins, and sphingosine 1-phosphates. Higher polyunsaturated fat intake was associated with lower plasma long-chain ceramides and long-chain monohexosylcermide concentrations. Protein intake was inversely associated with concentrations of most subclasses of sphingolipids, with the exception of sphingolipids containing a 16:1;O2 sphingoid base. Lower intake of saturated fat and higher intake of polyunsaturated fat and protein may decrease plasma concentrations of several sphingolipid classes. These findings may represent a novel biological mechanism for the impact of nutrient intakes on cardio-metabolic health.

Maternal Diet and Infant Feeding Practices Are Associated with Variation in the Human Milk Microbiota at 3 Months Postpartum in a Cohort of Women with High Rates of Gestational Glucose Intolerance

Human milk contains a diverse community of bacteria believed to play a role in breast health and inoculation of the infant's gastrointestinal tract. The role of maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices on the human milk microbiota remains poorly understood. Our aim was to explore the associations between maternal diet (delivery to 3 mo postpartum), infant feeding practices, and the microbial composition and predicted function in milk from women with varied metabolic status. This was an exploratory analysis of a previously completed prospective cohort study of women with varying degrees of gestational glucose intolerance (NCT01405547). Milk samples (n=93 mothers) were collected at 3 mo postpartum. Maternal dietary information (validated food-frequency questionnaire) and infant feeding practices (human milk exclusivity, frequency of direct breastfeeding per day) were collected. V4-16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) was conducted to determine microbiota composition. Intake of polyunsaturated fat [β estimate (SE): 0.036 (0.018), P=0.047] and fiber from grains [0.027 (0.013), P=0.048] were positively associated with ɑ-diversity (Shannon index) of human milk. Overall microbial composition of human milk clustered based on human milk exclusivity (weighted UniFrac R2=0.034, P=0.015; Bray-Curtis R2=0.041, P=0.007), frequency of direct breastfeeding per day (Bray-Curtis R2=0.057, P=0.026), and maternal fiber intake from grains (Bray-Curtis R2=0.055, P=0.040). Total fiber, fiber from grains, dietary fat, and infant feeding practices were also associated with a number of differentially abundant taxa. The overall composition of predicted microbial functions was associated with total fiber consumption (Bray-Curtis R2=0.067, P=0.036) and human milk exclusivity (Bray-Curtis R2=0.041, P=0.013). Maternal consumption of fiber and fat, as well as mother's infant feeding practices, are important determinants of the human milk microbiota. Understanding whether these microbial changes impact an infant's overall health and development requires future study.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphism rs 10767664 affects metabolic parameters after weight loss secondary to high fat hypocaloric diet with Mediterranean pattern.

We evaluated the effect of the genetic variant rs10767664 of BDNF gene on anthropometric and biochemical changes after weight loss secondary to a high-fat hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean dietary pattern. A sample of 277 obese subjects was recruited. After subjects met the inclusion criteria, they received a nutritional intervention with a high-fat hypocaloric diet [36% of carbohydrates, 40% of fats (60.0% of monounsaturated fats, 25.0% of saturated fats and 15.0% of polyunsaturated fats) and 24% of proteins]. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured at basal and 3 months. One hundred and seventy-nine subjects (64.6%) had the genotype AA (wild group) and 98 (35.4%) subjects had the next genotypes; AT (81 patients, 29.2%) or TT (17 patients, 6.2%) (Mutant group). The improvement of BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, leptin, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was similar in both genotypes after dietary intervention. Secondary to weight loss and only in non-T allele, insulin levels (AA vs. At+TT) (-5.2+0.2 UI/L vs. -2.9+0.3 UI/L: p=0.02) and HOMA-IR (-2.1+0.2 units vs. -1.1+0.1 units: p=0.02) decreased significantly. T allele carriers of the BDNF variant rs10767664 may be an independent predictor of the lack of improvement induced by weight loss on insulin levels and insulin resistance after a high-fat hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Diet and risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study.

To examine associations between diet and risk of developing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prospective cohort with a median follow-up of 15·8 years. Baseline diet was measured using a FFQ. GERD was defined as self-reported current or history of daily heartburn or acid regurgitation beginning at least 2 years after baseline. Sex-specific logistic regressions were performed to estimate OR for GERD associated with diet quality scores and intakes of nutrients, food groups and individual foods and beverages. The effect of substituting saturated fat for monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat on GERD risk was examined. Melbourne, Australia. A cohort of 20 926 participants (62 % women) aged 40-59 years at recruitment between 1990 and 1994. For men, total fat intake was associated with increased risk of GERD (OR 1·05 per 5 g/d; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·09; P = 0·016), whereas total carbohydrate (OR 0·89 per 30 g/d; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·98; P = 0·010) and starch intakes (OR 0·84 per 30 g/d; 95 % CI 0·75, 0·94; P = 0·005) were associated with reduced risk. Nutrients were not associated with risk for women. For both sexes, substituting saturated fat for polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat did not change risk. For both sexes, fish, chicken, cruciferous vegetables and carbonated beverages were associated with increased risk, whereas total fruit and citrus were associated with reduced risk. No association was observed with diet quality scores. Diet is a possible risk factor for GERD, but food considered as triggers of GERD symptoms might not necessarily contribute to disease development. Potential differential associations for men and women warrant further investigation.

Biogenic amine neurotransmitters promote eicosanoid production and protein homeostasis.

Metazoans use protein homeostasis (proteostasis) pathways to respond to adverse physiological conditions, changing environment, and aging. The nervous system regulates proteostasis in different tissues, but the mechanism is not understood. Here, we show that Caenorhabditiselegans employs biogenic amine neurotransmitters to regulate ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) proteostasis in epithelia. Mutants for biogenic amine synthesis show decreased poly-ubiquitination and turnover of a GFP-based UPS substrate. Using RNA-seq and mass spectrometry, we found that biogenic amines promote eicosanoid production from poly-unsaturated fats (PUFAs) by regulating expression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Mutants for one of these P450s share the same UPS phenotype observed in biogenic amine mutants. The production of n-6 eicosanoids is required for UPS substrate turnover, whereas accumulation of n-6 eicosanoids accelerates turnover. Our results suggest that sensory neurons secrete biogenic amines to modulate lipid signaling, which in turn activates stress response pathways to maintain UPS proteostasis.

Nutritional Status and Cardiovascular Health in Female Adolescent Elite-Level Artistic Gymnasts and Swimmers: A Cross-Sectional Study of 31 Athletes.

Objective Nutritional status is important for health and competitive achievement. This area remains understudied among elite-level female athletes and is appropriate for research. We examined nutritional status and cardiovascular health markers of two groups of female athletes of the same age and competition period, involved in weight-bearing and a non-weight-bearing sport: gymnasts (n = 17) and swimmers (n = 14); mean age 17.4 and 16.6 years. Methods Body composition and dietary intake were assessed by bioelectrical impedance and Food Frequency Questionnaire. The concentrations of serum micronutrients (B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron), blood lipids, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Setting and Participants. A cross-sectional study of 31 athletes from Slovenia. Results Gymnasts had higher body mass index (21.5 vs. 20.1 kg/m2, p=0.043) and lower fat free mass (42.4 vs. 46.6 kg, p=0.024) than swimmers and comparable body fat percentage (22.5 vs. 22.8%). Both groups had low intake of carbohydrates, fibre, polyunsaturated fats, protein (only gymnasts), and micronutrients (11/13 micronutrients gymnasts and 4/13 swimmers) and high intake of free sugars and saturated fats. Both groups also had significantly lower-than-recommended serum levels of 25 (OH) D. All cardiovascular risk factors were within recommended ranges. Gymnasts had higher LDL cholesterol (2.7 vs. 2.2 mmol/L, p < 0.011), and swimmers had higher systolic BP (126 vs. 107 mmHg, p < 0.001). Conclusions Dietary intake especially in gymnasts was suboptimal, which may reflect in anthropometric and cardiovascular marker differences between gymnasts and swimmers.

The Effect of Nut Consumption on Diet Quality, Cardiometabolic and Gastrointestinal Health in Children: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Tree nuts and ground nuts are nutrient-rich foods known to improve human health when consumed regularly in the diet. Past observational studies suggest that nuts improve adult and child health; however, limited randomized control trials (RCTs) have assessed the health effects of nuts in children. Using a systematic review approach, we examined the effect of nut intake on health outcomes in children aged 8–18 years. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane library to identify RCTs of interest. A total of 5783 articles were identified, 4821 were screened by title and abstract and 37 by full text resulting in four articles that met the inclusion criteria for the review. Nut consumption was between 15 and 30 g with durations of between 3 and 16 weeks. Nut consumption was shown to improve children’s diet quality (increase children’s intake of essential nutrients including fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), protein and fiber), there were inconsistent effects on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (improve lipid profiles, microvascular reactivity and inflammation) and gastrointestinal health (increase in the proportion of beneficial fecal bacteria). Further studies exploring the broad health benefits of nuts in children are needed with consideration given to higher doses and longer intervention periods.