Sweet Preference Research Articles

Effects of parental restriction on intake of sugary foods and beverages and sweetness preferences in 4-7-year-old children

Effects of parental restriction on intake of sugary foods and beverages and sweetness preferences in 4-7-year-old children

Sweet tooth study: Protocol for a 6-month semi-controlled randomized trial assessing effects of dietary sweetness exposure on sweetness preferences

Sweet tooth study: Protocol for a 6-month semi-controlled randomized trial assessing effects of dietary sweetness exposure on sweetness preferences

Bitter Taste Perception and Dental Biofilm Cariogenicity in Orthodontics

BackgroundBitter taste perception and sweetness preference have been associated with dental caries. Propylthiouracil (PROP) has been used to determine the genetic sensitivity to bitter taste in early childhood caries. However, the role of the bitter threshold in dental biofilm cariogenicity has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of individual taste sensitivity using PROP in dental biofilm cariogenicity in orthodontic patients. MethodsForty orthodontic patients (12–42 years old) undergoing fixed appliance orthodontic treatment participated in this cross-sectional study. Their demographic, oral hygiene practice, and dietary habits data were obtained using a questionnaire. The patients’ bitter taste threshold was measured using a PROP assay. The patients were subsequently classified as super-tasters (STs), medium-tasters (MTs), and non-tasters (NTs). Dental biofilm cariogenicity was determined using a 3-tone disclosing gel that becomes pink (new dental biofilm), purple (mature dental biofilm), and light blue (cariogenic dental biofilm) based on dental biofilm maturity. ResultsThe NT, MT, and ST groups comprised 10%, 27.5%, and 62.5% of the patients, respectively. Most of the STs (56%) and MTs (63.6%) were female, whereas no females were NTs. The dental biofilm cariogenicity was significantly different between the PROP bitterness groups (P < .05). The highest percentage of mature biofilm, followed by cariogenic and new biofilm, was found in the MT and ST groups. However, the cariogenic biofilm percentage was significantly higher compared with mature biofilm (P < .05) in the NT group. A low frequency (<1 time/d) of sugary and acidic food intake between meals was observed in the ST, MT, and NT groups with no significant difference amongst the groups (P > .05). ConclusionsCariogenic dental biofilm was highly present in orthodontic patients with the NT phenotype.

Vegans, vegetarians and omnivores differ in nutrient hedonics, salt and sweet preference and flavouring

BackgroundDietary content can influence taste responses. Therefore, we compared nutrient hedonics (liking foods by nutrient content), and seasoning, including taste responses to the prime flavours salt and sweet in 30 vegan, 37 vegetarian and 56 omnivore men and women. MethodologyQuestionnaires and taste tests examined macronutrient and electrolyte intake and hedonics, seasoning, salt and sweet preferences and psychophysical taste responses. ResultsCompared to omnivores, vegans had lower protein, Ca++, Na+ intake, and increased carbohydrate (CHO) intake. Independently of intake, hedonics for protein Ca++and Na+ were reduced and increased for CHO. Psychophysical responses to NaCl and sucrose also differed slightly, vegans and vegetarians scoring high concentrations of sucrose as more intense, Vegans reported more sweetening and less salting of food, added more sucrose to a test tea, less salt to a test soup, but did not differ in seasoning with oil or hot spice. Principal ConclusionsHabitual vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets may alter taste responses to nutrient content and salt and sweet, the latter more pronounced in vegan and vegetarian women. Recognizing diet-dependent changes in taste hedonics can inform diets and products.

Phenotyping Young GluA1 Deficient Mice - A Behavioral Characterization in a Genetic Loss-of-Function Model.

Alterations of glutamatergic neurotransmission have been implicated in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Mice lacking the GluA1 AMPA receptor subunit, encoded by the Gria1 gene, display multiple phenotypical features associated with glutamatergic dysfunction. While the phenotype of adult GluA1 deficient (Gria1–/–) mice has been studied comprehensively, there are relevant gaps in knowledge about the course and the onset of behavioral alterations in the Gria1 knockout mouse model during post-weaning development. Based on former investigations in young wild-type mice, we exposed female and male adolescent Gria1–/– mice to a behavioral home-cage based testing battery designed for the purpose of severity assessment. Data obtained from mice with a constitutive loss of GluA1 were compared with those from wild-type littermates. We identified several genotype-dependent behavioral alterations in young Gria1–/– mice. While the preference for sweetness was not affected by genotype during adolescence, Gria1–/– mice displayed limited burrowing performance, and reached lower nest complexity scores. Analysis of home-cage based voluntary wheel running performance failed to confirm genotype-dependent differences. In contrast, when exposed to the open field test, Gria1–/– mice showed pronounced hyperlocomotion in early and late adolescence, and female Gria1–/– mice exhibited thigmotaxis when prepubescent. We found increased corticosterone metabolite levels in fecal samples of adolescent Gria1–/– mice with females exhibiting increased adrenocortical activity already in prepubescence. Considering the course of behavioral modifications in early and late adolescence, the results do not support a persistent level of distress associated with GluA1 deficiency in the line. In contrast, the laboratory-specific readouts indicate transient, mild impairments of behavioral patterns relevant to animal welfare, and suggest a mild overall burden of the line.

Vegans, Vegetarians and Omnivores Differ in Nutrient Hedonics, Salt and Sweet Taste and Flavouring

ObjectivesNutrient hedonics (liking foods by nutrient content), and seasoning, including taste responses to the prime flavours salt and sweet, were compared in vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets. MethodsQuestionnaires examined macronutrient and electrolyte intake and hedonics and seasoning: taste tests for salt and sweet preference: psychophysical taste responses for salt and sweet. ResultsCompared to omnivores, vegans had lower protein, Ca ++, Na + intake, and increased CHO intake. Hedonics for energy, fat, protein, Ca ++, Na + and K + were reduced. Psychophysical responses to NaCl and sucrose also differed slightly, vegans and vegetarians scoring high concentrations of sucrose as more intense. Vegans reported more sweetening and less salting of food, added more sucrose to a test tea, less salt to a test soup, but did not differ in seasoning with fat/oil or hot spice. ConclusionsHabitual vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets may alter taste responses to nutrient content and salt and sweet, the latter more pronounced in vegan and vegetarian women. Recognising diet-dependent changes in taste hedonics could help plan diets and products. Funding SourcesIsrael Science Foundation (902/0–2 and 7,481,478) and the Israel Ministry of Health (1043–3-00,000).

Study Protocol: Sensory Effects of Replacing Sugar Sweetened Sodas With Unsweetened, Flavored Sparkling Water

Abstract Objectives Excess sugar consumption contributes to numerous chronic diseases. Prior work has typically emphasized replacing sugar-sweetened beverages, a key source of excess dietary sugar, with low-calorie sweetened beverages. Our protocol aims to instead replace sugar sodas with unsweetened, flavored sparkling water products, which are available in the same containers and at comparable prices to sugary sodas. Methods Participants who consume at least 2 sugar-sweetened sodas per day are being recruited for this project. Flavored, unsweetened sparkling waters will be provided to participants for 2 weeks, with sensory evaluations at baseline, 1 week, and 2 weeks. At the end of the 2-week intervention, we will provide participants with information on the costs and how to find the flavored, unsweetened sparkling water products. Two weeks post intervention, participants will be asked whether they continued to consume the sparkling waters or if they reverted back to sugar-sweetened soda consumption. We will use linear mixed models with subject as a repeated measure to determine the effect of replacement of sugar-sweetened sodas beverages with sparkling waters on: liking of sweetness in soda-like beverages, “just about right” concentration of sugar/intensity of sweetness in soda-like beverages, and post-intervention beverage selection. Results As this is a protocol abstract, results have yet to be obtained. However, we hypothesize that participants who comply with substituting sparkling waters for sweetened sodas will exhibit sensory shifts to prefer lower concentrations of sugar and liking for lower sweetness intensity in beverages. We expect these participants will also report continuing to consume the sparkling water products at 2 weeks post intervention. Conclusions Data from this study will inform future work on whether commercially available water products could shift sensory preferences for sweetness, which could aid in interventions to curb added sugar intake. Funding Sources This study is supported by a Pilot and Feasibility Award within the Indiana CTSI/CDMD, an initiative funded by the NIH/NIDDK.

Dental Caries Frequency &amp; its Determinants among Adults of District Kohat &amp; Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and risk factors of dental caries among adults in District Kohat and Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Methods: After taking ethical approval, a descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in District Kohat and Nowshera, in which a total of n=435 adults were assessed and examined for dental caries, from November 2021 to March 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding dental caries and its risk factors. Moreover, relevant tooth brushing, and dietary information was also collected. Data was analyzed by SPSS and results were presented in form of tables. Results: The results showed that 23.68% of adults had dental caries. Approximately, 57.70% of adults are of age between 30-60 years; 25.06% had monthly income less than 25000/PKR per month; 14.02% were illiterate, and 40.92% were overweight and obese. Moreover, 52.64% had compliance to daily tooth-brushing; 49.66% used fluoride tooth paste; 41.15% and 58.85% prefer sugar and sweet beverages respectively. Furthermore, 21.84% had poor oral hygiene; 14.94% had routine dental examinations; and 49.21% &amp; 32.41% prefer vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: Concluded that dental caries showed moderate prevalence among adults and revealed relationship with age; monthly income, body mass index, and literacy level. Moreover, frequency of tooth-brushing, fluoride tooth-paste, oral hygiene status and sweet preference showed association with dental caries and thus comprehensive preventive and health promotion strategies were needed to overcome dental caries among adults. Keywords: Dental Caries, Toothbrush, Fluoride, Monthly Income, Sugar, Sweet beverages, Nowshera

The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners Use on Sweet Taste Perception and Weight Loss Efficacy: A Review.

Excessive consumption of sugar-rich foods is currently one of the most important factors that has led to the development of the global pandemic of obesity. On the other hand, there is evidence that obesity contributes to reduced sensitivity to sweet taste and hormonal changes affecting appetite, leading to an increased craving for sweets. A high intake of sugars increases the caloric value of the diet and, consequently, leads to weight gain. Moreover, attention is drawn to the concept of the addictive properties of sugar and sugary foods. A potential method to reduce the energy value of diet while maintaining the sweet taste is using non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). NNS are commonly used as table sugar substitutes. This wide group of chemical compounds features high sweetness almost without calories due to its high sweetening strength. NNS include aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, saccharin, cyclamate, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (neohesperidin DC), neotame, taumatin, and advantame. The available evidence suggests that replacing sugar with NNS may support weight control. However, the effect of NNS on the regulation of appetite and sweet taste perception is not clear. Therefore, the review aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the use of NNS as a potential strategy for weight loss and their impact on sweet taste perception. Most studies have demonstrated that consumption of NNS-sweetened foods does not increase sweetness preference orenergy intake. Nonetheless, further research is required to determine the long-term effects of NNS on weight management.

Impacts of a perinatal exposure to manganese coupled with maternal stress in rats: Tests of untrained behaviors

Manganese (Mn), an element that naturally occurs in the environment, has been shown to produce neurotoxic effects on the developing young when levels exceed physiological requirements. To evaluate the effects of this chemical in combination with non-chemical factors pregnant Long-Evans rats were treated with 0, 2, or 4 mg/mL Mn in their drinking water from gestational day (GD) 7 to postnatal day (PND) 22. Half of the dams received a variable stress protocol from GD13 to PND9, that included restraint, small cage with reduced bedding, exposure to predator odor, intermittent intervals of white noise, lights on for 24 h, intermittent intervals of lights on during dark cycle and cages with grid floors and reduced bedding. One male and one female offspring from each litter were tested to assess untrained behavior. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) were recorded from PND13 pups while they were isolated from the litter. Locomotor activity (MA) was measured in figure-eight mazes at PND 17, 29, and 79 (different set of rats at each time point). Social approach (SA) was tested at PND48. Acoustic startle response (ASR) and pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) were measured starting at PND58. At PND53 a sweetness preference for a chocolate flavored milk solution was assessed. There were sex related differences on several parameters for the USVs. There was also a Mn by stress by sex interaction with the females from the 4 mg/mL stressed dams having more frequency modulated (FM) call elements than the 4 mg/mL non-stressed group. There was an effect of Mn on motor activity but only at PND29 with the 2 mg/mL group having higher counts than the 0 mg/mL group. The social approach test showed sex differences for both the habituation and test phase. There was an effect of Mn, with the 4 mg/mL males having a greater preference for the stimulus rat than did the 0 mg/mL males. There was also a stress by sex interaction. The ASR and PPI had only a sex effect. Thus, with only the FM call elements having a Mn by stress effect, and the PND29 MA and SA preference index having a Mn effect but at different doses requires further investigation.

Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Its Potential Health Implications in Indonesia

The broad availability of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the Indonesian market, increasing trend of their consumption, combined with escalating incidence and prevalence of diabetes and related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and the ongoing debate on policies, have called for a comprehensive review as described in this study. Data was compiled from various sources but mainly gathered from the reported or published documents because of no direct access to the necessary data set. The lack of studies that assessed the direct relationship between SSB consumption and health outcomes in the Indonesian context also became a strong reason for the preparation of this review to highlight important points for further research, academic reviews, and debates on empiric policies to control sugar consumption at the population level. Sociocultural factors were an apparent and crucial determinant of the sweetness preferences of mainstream Indonesians. They were not capitalized in the available documents and should be embraced in future health promotional measures. Given the high contribution of carbohydrates and sugar to total energy intake in the Indonesian diet, it is pertinent to control the increasing trend of SSBs consumption through interventions on both the supply and demand sides.

Impact of aerobic exercises on taste perception for sucrose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRegular exercise is a key element in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although the importance of regular exercises on glycemic control in people with diabetes is studied extensively, evidence is lacking on its impact on sweet taste perception. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of aerobic exercises on taste perception for sucrose in people with diabetes.MethodsA sample of 225 people with diabetes aged 35-60 years was assigned randomly into 3 groups; aerobic exercise, combined exercise and a control group. The outcomes of the combined exercise group is not reported. The aerobic exercise group performed brisk walking 30min/day, 4-5days/week for 6 months. The primary outcome measures were supra-threshold intensity ratings and preference for sucrose assessed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months using ‘general Labeled Magnitude Scale’ and ‘Monell 2-series-forced choice method’ respectively. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was assessed at baseline and at 6 months to determine glycemic control.ResultsAerobic exercise group showed significantly increased ratings (mm) for higher sucrose concentrations at 3 months (mean difference for 2.02M; +6.63±2.50, p=0.048 and for 0.64M; +7.26±2.76, p=0.026) and at 6 months (mean difference for 0.64M; +7.79±4.49, p= 0.044) compared to baseline and also when compared to controls (mean difference for 2.02M between baseline and 3 months; intervention: +6.63±2.50, control: -4.01±1.79, p=0.02 and between baseline and 6 months for 2.02M; intervention: +3.15±0.57, control: -7.96±0.40, p=0.022 and for 0.64M; intervention: +7.79±4.49, control: -8.98±0.99, p=0.003). A significantly reduced preference (mol/L) was seen both at 3 (mean difference; -0.03±0.02, p= 0.037) and at 6 months (mean difference; -0.05±0.12, p=0.011) compared to baseline within the intervention group. Also, a significant reduction was seen in the intervention group compared to controls at 6 months (mean difference; intervention: -0.05±0.12, control: 0.01±0.03, p=0.044). HbA1c was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to controls at 6 months (mean difference; intervention -0.43±1.6%, control +0.33±1.8%, p=0.018).ConclusionRegular aerobic exercises increase the sweet taste sensitivity, especially for higher concentrations of sucrose and decrease sweet taste preference in people with diabetes . These alterations in sweet taste perception, are likely to contribute to a better glycemic control in people with diabetes.Trial registrationThis trial was registered at the Sri Lanka Clinical Trial registry on 16/12/2015. (Trial registration number- SLCTR/2015/029, https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2015-029).

Sex differences in sucrose reinforcement in Long-Evans rats

BackgroundThere are sex differences in addiction behaviors. To develop a pre-clinical animal model to investigate this, the present study examined sex differences in sucrose taking and seeking using Long-Evans rats.MethodsFive experiments were conducted using separate groups of subjects. The first two examined sucrose or saccharin preference in two-bottle home cage choice tests. Experiment three assessed sucrose intake in a binge model with sucrose available in home cage bottles. Experiments four and five utilized operant-based procedures. In experiment four rats responded for sucrose on fixed and progressive ratio (FR, PR) schedules of reinforcement over a range of concentrations of sucrose. A final component of experiment four was measuring seeking in the absence of sucrose challenged with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390. Experiment five assessed responding for water on FR and PR schedules of reinforcement.ResultsWhen accounting for body weight, female rats consumed more sucrose than water; but there was no sex difference in saccharin preference over a range of saccharin concentrations. When accounting for body weight, females consumed more sucrose than males in the binge model, and only females increased binge intake over 14 days of the study. Females responded at higher rates for sucrose under both FR and PR schedules of reinforcement. Females responded at higher rates in extinction (seeking); SCH23390 reduced sucrose seeking of both females and males. Females responded at higher rates for water on FR and PR schedules than males, although rates of responding were low and decreased over sessions.ConclusionsAcross bottle-choice, binge intake, and operant procedures, female Long-Evans rats consumed more sucrose and responded at higher rates for sucrose. Although females also responded more for water, the vigor of responding did not explain the consistent sex difference in sucrose taking and seeking. The sex difference in sucrose taking was also not explained by sweet preference, as there was no sex difference in saccharin preference. These data provide a pre-clinical model to further evaluate sex differences in addiction behaviors and manipulations designed to reduce them.

Determinants of undernutrition among private and public primary school children: A comparative cross-sectional study toward nutritional transition in northwest Ethiopia

ObjectivesUndernutrition is a major public health concern, particularly in children. The burden is higher in developing countries. Undernutrition is considered when there is one or more of the following: stunting, underweight, or wasting. Childhood undernutrition can have numerous long-term effects: a lower physical capacity for work, lower intellectual quotients, greater risk for morbidity and mortality, and cognitive impairment. Undernourished children also can have poor cognitive scores, a high absenteeism rate, and high class repetition compared with non-undernourished children. The aim of this study was to assess undernutrition and its associated factors among public and private primary school children in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia. MethodsA school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5 to April 9, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. A simple random (lottery) sampling method was used to select seven public schools and five private schools. Systematic random sampling was used to select 774 study participants. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with undernutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) AnthroPlus software was used to determine the status of undernutrition. Participants with a Z-score less than –2 were considered to be undernourished. Statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05 and odds ratios (ORs) were reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI). ResultsThe prevalence of undernutrition was higher among public school children (37.1%) than those attending private schools (28.3%). Not having family car (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09–0.84), snack frequency no more than twice a day (aOR, 5.29; 95% CI, 1.37–20.37), and vigorous intensity sports (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32–0.91) were significantly associated with undernutrition among public primary school students. Family income below the median (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.23–3.53), no preference for sweets (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36–0.97), and not habits while reading (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19–0.89) were the factors significantly associated with undernutrition among private primary school students. ConclusionThe prevalence of undernutrition was high. Children in public schools were highly vulnerable to undernutrition compared with those in private schools. Not having a family car, snack frequency no more than twice daily, and vigorous intensity sports increase the risk for undernutrition among public school children. Family income below the median, not preferring sweets, and not having a habit of eating while reading increase the risk for undernutrition among private school children. It is better to give attention to healthy dietary habits and healthy lifestyles to reduce childhood undernutrition.

Psychological Effects of Sweet Taste and Sweet Taste Preference

This review summarizes current studies on the psychological effects of sweet taste and its role in overweight and obesity. Recent psychological studies demonstrate intriguing relationships between the experience of sweet taste and social perceptions and behavior. For example, studies show that experiencing sweet taste affects “helping behavior” or interest in initiating a romantic relationship. Furthermore, given that the role of sweet taste in obesity has been suggested, we reviewed studies on the relationship between sweet taste preference and eating behavior, thereby examining the role of sweet taste (and the preference for it) in the global rise of overweight and obesity in adults and children. Finally, we provide an outlook on future research perspectives on the psychological effects of sweet taste, and suggest some fundamental issues that future research should address to help provide a comprehensive understanding of how sweet taste and sweet taste preference affect our thinking and eating behaviors.

Detection of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Influence on Perinatal Outcomes from B-Mode Ultrasound Images Using Deep Neural Network

The study was intended to explore the risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their influence on perinatal outcomes through deep neural network (DNN)-based Doppler color ultrasound (B-mode ultrasound) images. Specifically, 75 women with GDM were selected as the experimental group, and 75 healthy pregnant women were selected as the control (Ctrl) group. DNN uses the unsupervised method to pretrain layer by layer and then uses the supervised method to accumulate parameters of each layer, which can obtain good performance. In this study, the risk factors of GDM and their influence on the perinatal outcomes were analyzed by DNN-based B-mode ultrasound images. It was found that pregnancy age was a risk factor for GDM (OR = 2.566), preference for sweets was a risk factor for GDM (OR = 1.678, P &lt; 0.001 ), and family history of DM was also a risk factor for GDM (OR = 12.789, P &lt; 0.001 ). The incidence of complications in the experimental group was higher than that in the Ctrl group ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Therefore, the true positive recognition (TPR) rate of DNN was significantly higher than that of the traditional method, and the pregnancy age, the preference for sweets before pregnancy, and the family history of DM may be risk factors for GDM; also, GDM was an influencing factor for pregnancy outcome, neonatal outcome, and complications.

Does FGF21 Mediate the Potential Decrease in Sweet Food Intake and Preference Following Bariatric Surgery?

The liver-derived hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has recently been linked to preference for sweet-tasting food. We hypothesized, that surgery-induced changes in FGF21 could mediate the reduction in sweet food intake and preference following bariatric surgery. Forty participants (35 females) with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) scheduled for roux-en-y gastric bypass (n = 30) or sleeve gastrectomy (n = 10) were included. Pre- and postprandial responses of intact plasma FGF21 as well as intake of sweet-tasting food assessed at a buffet meal test, the hedonic evaluation of sweet taste assessed using an apple juice with added sucrose and visual analog scales, and sweet taste sensitivity were assessed before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. In a cross-sectional analysis pre-surgery, pre- and postprandial intact FGF21 levels were negatively associated with the hedonic evaluation of a high-sucrose juice sample (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02). However, no changes in pre- (p = 0.24) or postprandial intact FGF21 levels were found 6 months after surgery (p = 0.11), and individual pre- to postoperative changes in pre- and postprandial intact FGF21 levels were not found to be associated with changes in intake of sweet foods, the hedonic evaluation of sweet taste or sweet taste sensitivity (all p ≥ 0.10). In conclusion, we were not able to show an effect of bariatric surgery on circulating FGF21, and individual postoperative changes in FGF21 were not found to mediate an effect of surgery on sweet food intake and preference.

Mice with high FGF21 serum levels had a reduced preference for morphine and an attenuated development of acute antinociceptive tolerance and physical dependence

Because of increased opioid misuse, there is a need to identify new targets for minimizing opioid tolerance, and physical and psychological dependence. Previous studies showed that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) decreased alcohol and sweet preference in mice. In this study, FGF21-transgenic (FGF21-Tg) mice, expressing high FGF21 serum levels, and wildtype (WT) C57BL/6J littermates were treated with morphine and saline to determine if differences exist in their physiological and behavioral responses to opioids. FGF21-Tg mice displayed reduced preference for morphine in the conditioned place preference assay compared to WT littermates. Similarly, FGF21-Tg mice had an attenuation of the magnitude and rate of acute morphine antinociceptive tolerance development, and acute and chronic morphine physical dependence, but exhibited no change in chronic morphine antinociceptive tolerance. The ED50 values for morphine-induced antinociception in the 55 °C hot plate and the 55 °C warm-water tail withdrawal assays were similar in both strains of mice. Likewise, FGF21-Tg and WT littermates had comparable responses to morphine-induced respiratory depression. Overall, FGF21-Tg mice had a decrease in the development of acute analgesic tolerance, and the development of physical dependence, and morphine preference. FGF21 and its receptor have therapeutic potential for reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms and craving, and augmenting opioid therapeutics for acute pain patients to minimize tolerance development.

Eating Behaviour Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies.

Eating behaviour is a complex construct that is liable to be modified by external factors. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many restrictive measures were carried out with the aim of reducing the impact of this disease. As a result, lifestyles were disrupted, which could affect eating behaviours. The aim of this systematic review of longitudinal studies was to assess changes in eating behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a comparison of eating behaviours before and after the outbreak of the pandemic. This study followed the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42020203246), whereas to assess the quality of the studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was applied. Out of a set of 826 studies, 23 were included in this systematic review. The main findings provided information about a shift towards modified eating behaviours, characterized by an increased snack frequency and a preference for sweets and ultra-processed food rather than fruits, vegetables, and fresh food. Additionally, an increased alcohol consumption was found among different countries. Consequently, adherence to healthy diets decreased. These findings are relevant to future policies and strategies to assess nutrition in cases of alarming situations such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

When is it too sweet? Measuring sweetness preferences in foods amongst Dutch consumers.

When is it too sweet? Measuring sweetness preferences in foods amongst Dutch consumers.