Dietary Saturated Fat Research Articles

Effects of Virgin Olive Oil on Blood Pressure and Renal Aminopeptidase Activities in Male Wistar Rats.

High saturated fat diets have been associated with the development of obesity and hypertension, along with other pathologies related to the metabolic syndrome. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet, characterized by its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, has been proposed as a dietary factor capable of positively regulating cardiovascular function. These effects have been linked to changes in the local renal renin angiotensin system (RAS) and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The main goal of this study was to analyze the role of two dietary fat sources on aminopeptidases activities involved in local kidney RAS. Male Wistar rats (six months old) were fed during 24 weeks with three different diets: the standard diet (S), the standard diet supplemented with virgin olive oil (20%) (VOO), or the standard diet enriched with butter (20%) plus cholesterol (0.1%) (Bch). Kidney samples were separated in medulla and cortex for aminopeptidase activities (AP) assay. Urine samples were collected for routine analysis by chemical tests. Aminopeptidase activities were determined by fluorometric methods in soluble (sol) and membrane-bound (mb) fractions of renal tissue, using arylamide derivatives as substrates. After the experimental period, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) values were similar in standard and VOO animals, and significantly lower than in the Bch group. At the same time, a significant increase in GluAP and IRAP activities were found in renal medulla of Bch animals. However, in VOO group the increase of GluAP activity in renal medulla was lower, while AspAP activity decreased in the renal cortex. Furthermore, the VOO diet also affected other aminopeptidase activities, such as TyrAP and pGluAP, related to the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the metabolic rate. These results support the beneficial effect of VOO in the regulation of SBP through changes in local AP activities of the kidney.

Perspective: The Saturated Fat–Unsaturated Oil Dilemma: Relations of Dietary Fatty Acids and Serum Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, Inflammation, Cancer, and All-Cause Mortality

PUFAs are known to regulate cholesterol synthesis and cellular uptake by multiple mechanisms that do not involve SFAs. Polymorphisms in any of the numerous proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis, as a result of genetic variation, could lead to higher or lower serum cholesterol. PUFAs are susceptible to lipid peroxidation, which can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, atherosclerosis, cancer, and disorders associated with inflammation, such as insulin resistance, arthritis, and numerous inflammatory syndromes. Eicosanoids from arachidonic acid are among the most powerful mediators that initiate an immune response, and a wide range of PUFA metabolites regulate numerous physiological processes. There is a misconception that dietary SFAs can cause inflammation, although endogenous palmitic acid is converted to ceramides and other cell constituents involved in an inflammatory response after it is initiated by lipid mediators derived from PUFAs. This article will discuss the many misconceptions regarding how dietary lipids regulate serum cholesterol, the fact that all-cause death rate is higher in humans with low compared with normal or moderately elevated serum total cholesterol, the numerous adverse effects of increasing dietary PUFAs or carbohydrate relative to SFAs, as well as metabolic conversion of PUFAs to SFAs and MUFAs as a protective mechanism. Consequently, dietary saturated fats seem to be less harmful than the proposed alternatives.

Impact of Dietary Fatty Acids on Chylous Effusion in a Mouse Model of Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly

Introduction Generalized lymphatic anomalies (GLA) are complicated vessel malformations that can result in impaired lymphatic function. Potential GLA complications include lipid-rich lymph in the thoracic cavity or abdomen, respectively chylothorax and chylous ascites. To reduce the potential for chylous accumulation, GLA patients limit dietary fats. We hypothesized that dietary fatty acid composition impacts the potential for lymphatic dysfunction and chylous effusion in GLA. Methods Adipose-specific overexpression of lymphatic growth factors has demonstrated lethal chylothorax in mice. Here we utilized mice with inducible adipose overexpression of VEGF-D (Adipo-VD) to mimic GLA and tested the chylothorax incidence with a mixed high fat diet (HFD), high saturated (HSFD), or high unsaturated (HUSFD) fat diet. Lipid transport was assessed by oral triglyceride uptake and mesenteric fat analysis. Lymphatic expansion and inflammation were determined by whole mount immunofluorescence and gene expression. Body composition was assessed with by MRI. Results Oral gavage of a triglyceride bolus increased chylous effusion in all groups. HSFD resulted in a significant increase in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 expression compared to HFD and HUSFD groups. HFD fed mice demonstrated a significant increase is body fat compared to HUSFD fed mice. Interestingly, the chylous effusion incidence was highest in HFD fed mice compared to either HSFD and HUSFD. Conclusion HFD results in increased chylous effusion driven particularly by a bolus lipid load in Adipo-VD mice. These findings suggest that dietary fatty acid composition, and in particularly large meal feeding, may result in increased chylothorax risk for GLA patients.

Consumption of dairy products and CVD risk: results from the French prospective cohort NutriNet-Santé.

In France, dairy products contribute to dietary saturated fat intake, of which reduced consumption is often recommended for CVD prevention. Epidemiological evidence on the association between dairy consumption and CVD risk remains unclear, suggesting either null or inverse associations. This study aimed to investigate the associations between dairy consumption (overall and specific foods) and CVD risk in a large cohort of French adults. This prospective analysis included participants aged ≥18 years from the NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009-2019). Daily dietary intakes were collected using 24-h dietary records. Total dairy, milk, cheese, yogurts, fermented and reduced-fat dairy intakes were investigated. CVD cases (n 1952) included cerebrovascular disease (n 878 cases) and CHD (n 1219 cases). Multivariable Cox models were performed to investigate associations. This analysis included 104805 French adults (mean age at baseline 42·8 (sd 14·6) years, mean follow-up 5·5 (sd 3·0) years, i.e. 579155 person-years). There were no significant associations between dairy intakes and total CVD or CHD risks. However, the consumption of at least 160 g/d of fermented dairy (e.g. cheese and yogurts) was associated with a reduced risk of cerebrovascular diseases compared with intakes below 57 g/d (hazard ratio = 0·81 (95 % CI 0·66, 0·98), Ptrend = 0·01). Despite being a major dietary source of saturated fats, dairy consumption was not associated with CVD or CHD risks in this study. However, fermented dairy was associated with a lower cerebrovascular disease risk. Robust randomised controlled trials are needed to further assess the impact of consuming different dairy foods on CVD risk and potential underlying mechanisms.

Metabolic Changes in Pediatric HIV-Positive Patients and Potential Lifestyle Interventional Strategies.

Metabolic changes in the HIV population have been well-studied, particularly after the advent of antiretroviral therapy. More notably, the emergence of the metabolic syndrome within the HIV population, due to prolonged survival, has led to an increasing rate of cardiovascular occurrence and mortality within the population in adult life. Importance of early intervention in HIV children, particularly lifestyle modifications, is necessary to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality in adulthood. Potential clinical interventions include routine anthropometric measurements as a measure of CVD risk, a low saturated fat and high fiber diet, and vigorous aerobic exercise have been shown to decrease CVD risk in the HIV population. The literature review found multiple knowledge gaps due to minimal studies completed on the HIV population and even less on HIV-positive children. Overall, a standardized protocol was required to better care for HIV-positive children and potential future CVD mortality.

Antibiotic Followed by a Potential Probiotic Increases Brown Adipose Tissue, Reduces Biometric Measurements, and Changes Intestinal Microbiota Phyla in Obesity.

The development of adjuvant therapies for obesity treatment is justified by the high prevalence of this disease worldwide, and the relationship between obesity and intestinal microbiota is a promising target for obesity treatment. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the adjuvant treatment of obesity through the use of potential probiotics and antibiotics, either separately or sequentially. In the first phase of the experiment, animals had diet-induced obesity with consumption of a high saturated fat diet and a fructose solution. After this period, there was a reduction in caloric supply, that is the conventional treatment of obesity, and the animals were divided into 5 experimental groups: control group (G1), obese group (G2), potential probiotic group (G3), antibiotic group (G4), and antibiotic followed by potential probiotic group (G5). The adjuvant treatments lasted 4weeks and were administered daily, via gavage: Animals in G1 and G2 received distilled water, the G3 obtained Lactobacillus gasseri LG-G12, and the G4 received ceftriaxone. The G5 received ceftriaxone for 2weeks, followed by the offer of Lactobacillus gasseri LG-G12 for another 2weeks. Parameters related to obesity, such as biometric measurements, food consumption, biochemical tests, histological assessments, short-chain fatty acids concentration, and composition of the intestinal microbiota, were analyzed. The treatment with caloric restriction and sequential supply of antibiotics and potential probiotics was able to reduce biometric measures, increase brown adipose tissue, and alter the intestinal microbiota phyla, standing out as a promising treatment for obesity.

Dietary cholesterol and egg intake in relation to incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in postmenopausal women

The potential cardiovascular impact of dietary cholesterol intake has been actively debated for decades. We aimed to evaluate associations of dietary cholesterol and egg intakes with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. We included 96,831 US postmenopausal women aged 50-79 y without known CVD or cancer during baseline enrollment (1993-1998) of the Women's Health Initiative. Dietary information was collected using a validated FFQ. Incident CVD [i.e., ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke] and all-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained and adjudicated through February 2018. A total of 9808 incident CVD cases and 19,508 all-cause deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 17.8 y and 18.9 y, respectively. After multivariable adjustment for traditional risk factors and key dietary nutrients including dietary saturated fat, there were modest associations of dietary cholesterol intake with incident CVD (HRQ5versusQ1: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.21; P-trend<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HRQ5versusQ1: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.15; P-trend<0.001). Significant positive associations were also observed between dietary cholesterol and incident IHD (P-trend=0.007), incident ischemic stroke (P-trend=0.002), and CVD mortality (P-trend=0.002), whereas there was an inverse association for incident hemorrhagic stroke (P-trend=0.037) and no association for mortality from cancer, Alzheimer disease/dementia, respiratory diseases, or other causes (P-trend>0.05). Higher egg consumption was also associated with modestly higher risk of incident CVD (P-trend=0.004) and all-cause mortality (P-trend<0.001), with HRs of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.25) and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.22), respectively, when comparing ≥1 egg/d with <1 egg/wk. Both higher dietary cholesterol intake and higher egg consumption appeared to be associated with modestly elevated risk of incident CVD and all-cause mortality in US postmenopausal women.

Associations of Dietary Patterns and Nutrients with Glycated Hemoglobin in Participants with and without Type 1 Diabetes.

Background: Diet has been associated with poor glycemic control in diabetes. Few studies have examined this association in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. Methods: We report data from cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses from a coronary artery calcification in type 1 diabetes (CACTI) study (n = 1257; T1D: n = 568; non-diabetic controls: n = 689) collected between the years 2000 and 2002. Participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, a physical examination, and biochemical analyses. Dietary patterns based on variations in food group intake were created with principal components analysis. Linear regression was used to examine the associations of dietary patterns, macronutrients, and food groups with HbA1c in a model adjusted for relevant covariates and stratified by diabetes status. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified: “fruits, veggies, meats, cereal”, “baked desserts” and “convenience foods and alcohol” patterns. At baseline, a higher intake of the “baked dessert” pattern was significantly associated with higher HbA1c in T1D at baseline as well at year 6 of the study when adjusted for age, sex, BMI, total calories, and diabetes duration. No such associations were observed in the case of non-diabetic controls. Dietary saturated fats and animal fats were also positively associated with HbA1c in adults with T1D at baseline and/or at year 6. Conclusions: The habitual intake of a dietary pattern that is characterized by an increased intake of added sugar and saturated fats, such as in baked desserts, may increase risks of poor glycemic control in T1D.

Effect of a dietary intervention with functional foods on LDL-C concentrations and lipoprotein subclasses in overweight subjects with hypercholesterolemia: Results of a controlled trial

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global death. Hypercholesterolemia is among the main risk factors for developing cardiovascular events, and is highly prevalent in the Mexican population. The primary objective of the present work was to assess the effect of a dietary portfolio (DP) with functional foods containing dehydrated nopal, soy protein, chia seeds, inulin, and oats in LDL-C and TC concentrations of subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia. Also, we explored the changes in the profile of the lipoprotein subclasses measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Sixty-two subjects (47 women, 15 men) with mild hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C, ≥130≤190mg/dL, TC>200mg/dL) completed the randomized, parallel, controlled study. The dietary intervention was given in two stages. First, a dietary standardization stage with a low saturated fat diet (LSFD) which matched the habitual energy intake of the volunteers for 2-weeks, followed by 2.5 months of dietary intervention with a LSFD plus placebo (PL) or DP. Subjects who consumed the LSFD+DP interventions had a significantly higher reduction of LDL-C (-18.05%, P=0.003) and TC (-17.08%, P=0.02) compared to volunteers who consumed an LSFD for the same period. Furthermore, the lipoprotein subclass profiling showed that the small low-density-lipoproteins, and the small high-density-lipoproteins significantly decreased (P=0.04, P<0.001, respectively), conveying a less atherogenic state. At the end of the study, 78% of the subjects who consumed LSFD+DP reduced their LDL-C below 160mg/dL, and of these, 47% reduced it below 130mg/dL. Based on the results obtained from this study, the inclusion of functional foods as part of the lifestyle modifications is recommended to treat mild hypercholesterolemia and reduce cardiovascular risk. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT04148976.

Maternal gut microbiota reflecting poor diet quality is associated with spontaneous preterm birth in a prospective cohort study

A processed diet, high in fat and low in fiber, is associated with differences in the gut microbiota and adverse health outcomes in humans; however, little is known about the diet-microbiota relation and its impact on pregnancy. Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), a pregnancy outcome with serious short- and long-term consequences, occurs more frequently in black and in obese women in the United States. In a prospective, case-control sample matched for race and obesity (cases=16, controls=32), we compared the fecal gut microbiota, fecal and plasma metabolites, and diet in the late second trimester. We hypothesized that a Western diet would be associated with reduced microbiota richness and a metabolic signature predicting incidence of SPTB. The fecal microbiota was characterized by 16S-tagged sequencing and untargeted metabolomics was used to analyze both plasma and fecal metabolites. Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used for the comparison of microbiota genera, α-diversity, fecal and plasma metabolites, and dietary variables between term and SPTB. β-Diversity was analyzed using permutational multivariate ANOVA, and metabolite associations were assessed by module analysis. A decrease in α-diversity was strongly associated with the development of SPTB, especially in the taxonomic class of Betaproteobacteria. Of 824 fecal metabolites, 22 metabolites (mostly lipids) differed between cases and controls (P<0.01), with greater DHA (22:6n-3) and EPA (20:5n-3) in cases [false discovery rate (FDR)<0.2]. The most significant fecal metabolite module (FDR-adjusted P=0.008) was dominated by DHA and EPA. Dietary saturated fat (primarily palmitate) intake was greater in cases (31.38±7.37 compared with 26.08±8.62 g, P=0.045) and was positively correlated with fecal DHA and EPA (P<0.05). Reduced α-diversity of the gut microbiota and higher excretion of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids in stool may provide a novel biomarker signature predicting SPTB in women with a low-fiber, high-fat diet. Further investigation of these markers in a larger sample is needed for validation.

The C. elegans PAQR-2 and IGLR-2 membrane homeostasis proteins are uniquely essential for tolerating dietary saturated fats

How cells maintain vital membrane lipid homeostasis while obtaining most of their constituent fatty acids from a varied diet remains largely unknown. Here, we report the first whole-organism (Caenorhabditis elegans) forward genetic screen to identify genes essential for tolerance to dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs). We found that only the PAQR-2/IGLR-2 pathway, homologous to the human adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) pathway, is uniquely essential to prevent SFA-mediated toxicity. When provided a SFA-rich diet, worms lacking either protein accumulate an excess of SFAs in their membrane phospholipids, which is accompanied by membrane rigidification. Additionally, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to show that the interaction between PAQR-2 and IGLR-2 is regulated by membrane fluidity, suggesting a mechanism by which this protein complex senses membrane properties. We also created versions of PAQR-2 that lacked parts of the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain and showed that these were still functional, though still dependent on the interaction with IGLR-2. We conclude that membrane homeostasis via the PAQR-2/IGLR-2 fluidity sensor is the only pathway specifically essential for the non-toxic uptake of dietary SFAs in C. elegans.

Exploring the highs and lows of very low carbohydrate high fat diets on weight loss and diabetes‐ and cardiovascular disease‐related risk markers: A systematic review

AbstractAimVery low carbohydrate high fat diets (VLCHF) are increasingly popular for weight loss and diabetes management, but the risk implications of long‐term adherence to a high‐fat‐diet remain unclear, especially in high‐risk populations. This review aimed to examine adherence, weight loss, diabetes‐ and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related risk markers in adults consuming VLCHF diets.MethodsOnline databases were searched for randomised controlled trials ≥3 months duration that met a pre‐defined macronutrient prescription: VLCHF ≤25%E carbohydrate, &gt;35%E fat; low fat (LF) ≥45%E carbohydrate, ≤30%E fat; and reported energy, saturated fat (SFA), weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure (BP). Studies were excluded if the macronutrient prescription was not targeted (n = 32); not met (n = 17) or not reported (n = 13).ResultsEight studies included: 1217 commenced; 922 completed overweight and obese adults. Diets were isocaloric moderately energy‐restricted, closely monitored with ongoing support from dietitians, physicians, and/or nurses. Four studies reported non‐adherence beyond 3 months (n = 3) and 6 months (n = 1) despite interventions of 12, 15 and 24 months. VLCHF diets were high in fat and SFA (fat 49%‐56%E; SFA 11%‐21%E) compared to LF diets (fat 13%‐29%E; SFA 5%‐11%E). All groups achieved significant weight loss and improvements in BP and blood glucose. LDL‐C reduction favoured LF, P &lt; .05; increased HDL‐C and reduced triglyceride levels favoured VLCHF, P &lt; .05.ConclusionsVLCHF and LF diets with moderate energy restriction demonstrate similar weight loss and improvements to BP to 3 months. However, adherence is likely poor without intensive support from health professionals. Dietary SFA should be monitored to ensure recommended intakes, but longer‐term studies with high adherence are required to confirm the level of CVD‐risk and potential harms.

Introducing a Suite of Low-Burden Diet Quality Indicators That Reflect Healthy Diet Patterns at Population Level.

ABSTRACTBackgroundFew low-burden indicators of diet quality exist to track trends over time at low cost and with low technical expertise requirements.ObjectiveThe aim was to develop and validate a suite of low-burden indicators to reflect adherence to global dietary recommendations.MethodsUsing nationally representative, cross-sectional, quantitative dietary intake datasets from Brazil and the United States, we tested the association of food-group scores with quantitative consumption aligned with 11 global dietary recommendations. We updated the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) to include current quantifiable recommendations of the WHO (HDI-2020). We developed 3 food-group–based scores—an overall Global Dietary Recommendations (GDR) score as an indicator of all 11 recommendations composed of 2 subcomponents: GDR-Healthy, an indicator of the recommendations on “healthy” foods, and GDR-Limit, an indicator of the recommendations on dietary components to limit. We tested associations between these scores and the HDI-2020 and its respective subcomponents. We developed 9 dichotomous food-group–based indicators to reflect adherence to the global recommendations for fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, free sugars, saturated fat, total fat, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and processed meats. We conducted receiver operating characteristic and sensitivity-specificity analyses to determine whether the dichotomous indicators were valid to predict adherence to the recommendations in both countries.ResultsThe GDR score and its subcomponents were moderately to strongly associated with the HDI-2020 and its respective subcomponents (absolute values of rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.55 to 0.66). Of the 9 dichotomous indicators, 8 largely met the criteria for predicting individual global dietary recommendations in both countries; 1 indicator (total fat) did not perform satisfactorily.ConclusionsFood-group consumption data can be used to indicate adherence to quantitative global dietary recommendations at population level. These indicators may be used to track progress of countries and populations toward meeting WHO guidance on healthy diets.

Co-benefits of changing diet. A modelling assessment at the regional scale integrating social acceptability, environmental and health impacts

Several commentaries have suggested that the overconsumption of animal foods exerts several detrimental effects on human and environmental health. However, no studies have accurately estimated the impact of a reduction in animal food consumption on mortality due to the direct effects on metabolic health (i.e. animal protein and saturated fat intake as modulators of pathways leading to cardiovascular disease, cancer and accelerated ageing), and indirect effects on health due to excessive exposure to pollutants (i.e. PM10 concentrations originated by livestock ammonia emissions).The proposed modelling approach is innovative since it integrates social acceptability, environmental and health impacts. It is adopted to investigate different scenarios at a regional scale presenting the Lombardy region case study. The work focuses on the impact on the human and environmental health of diets characterized by three different animal protein intake levels. Our integrated assessment modelling approach faces the issue from two points of view. On one side, it estimates the mortality due to the population exposure to PM10 concentrations including the inorganic fraction originated by livestock ammonia emissions, on the other, it evaluates the mortality (i.e. total, cardiovascular and cancer) due to high dietary animal protein and/or saturated fat intake. The impacts of the mentioned animal protein intake levels of diets are also estimated through the people willingness to change their eating behaviour. The importance of putting in place end-of-pipe and energy measures in order to reduce ammonia and methane emissions from the breeding activities, going further the current EU legislation on air quality and climate, is emphasized.

Fat Consumption and Related Changes in Micronutrients Intake and Child Anthropometric Development

Imbalanced food intake due to high fat consumption tends to have important consequences over general health conditions, regardless of age. The aim of this paper was to analyze fat intake considering the child`s general nutritional needs, micronutrient requirements and the main anthropometric development data. A transversal study has been conducted on a sample of 287 healthy Romanian children aged 36 to 84 months. The sample was divided into: underweight, normal weight and overweight study groups. Among the study subjects, the total fat intake was lower than the daily references depending on gender and age (p=0.0001). Differences were identified between both saturated (p=0.0001) and unsaturated (p=0.0001) fat intake. Saturated fat intake was significantly correlated with the body weight (p=0.0001), the height (p=0.001) and the BMI (p=0.001). Both dietary cholesterol (p=0.018; r=0.189) and saturated fat (p=0.01; r=0.265) were related to individual height. Lack of relationship was seen regarding zinc, selenium, sodium and fat intake (p&gt;0.05). Yet, monounsaturated fat intake was correlated with iron, magnesium and phosphor. Polyunsaturated fat intake was correlated with both phosphorus and potassium in the underweight group. Conclusions: Daily lack of dietary fats have been associated with a significant decrease in growth speed, weight gain and a higher risk of general developmental delay.

Acute dietary saturated fat intake suppresses human monocyte subset inflammatory and chemokine responses

Abstract Background Dietary saturated fat (SF) intake is implicated in increasing cardiovascular risk. Studies suggest SF may incite an inflammatory immune response yet the mechanisms for this remain unclear. Circulating blood monocyte subsets (classical “CD16low” and non-classical/intermediate “CD16high”) are thought to differentially contribute to the macrophage foam cell burden in atherosclerotic plaque, yet they are heterogenous and much is still unknown about their response to dietary lipid. Purpose This dietary intervention study hypothesised that a subset-specific monocyte response occurs following acute SF intake in healthy individuals.Top of Form Methods 10 healthy participants were fed a coconut oil, lauric acid-rich meal. Monocyte subsets were purified from fasting and 4h postprandial blood by fluorescence activated cytometry (FACS) into CD16low and CD16high subsets. Surface marker expression was recorded by FACS, gene expression by qPCR, lipid loading by fluorescence microscopy, cytokine responses by ELISA and mass spectrometry was utilised to trace dietary fat into circulating monocytes. Triglyceride rich lipoprotein (TGRL) was obtained through ultracentrifugation of postprandial blood. TLR agonists LPS (TLR4) and R848 (TLR7/8) were used to replicate infectious stimuli to provoke a cytokine response. Results SF meal intake resulted in a 4h postprandial rise in serum triglycerides (TG). Other than a small rise in HLA-DR in postprandial CD16low monocytes, no changes in CD14, CD16 or CD11c levels were noted. Inflammatory gene expression was downregulated although a rise in lipid handling gene ABCA1 was noted in both subsets. Postprandial monocytes accumulated cytoplasmic neutral lipid droplets (larger and more numerate droplets in CD16low). Mass-spectrometry confirmed entry of dietary lipid into circulating monocytes. Postprandial monocyte functional responses were impaired; lipid-loaded postprandial monocytes were less able to migrate towards a chemokine gradient. Following TLR challenge, the inflammatory response was abrogated in postprandial monocytes, further suppressed by in vitro postprandial TGRL addition. Lipidomic analyses confirmed postprandial monocyte lauric acid accumulation in the form of free fatty acid and TG trilaurin, and 9(S)-, 13(S)-HODE and 17(S)-HDoHE, that are metabolites of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and possess anti-inflammatory properties. The attached graphical abstract summarises the pertinent findings. Conclusions Acute dietary SF intake of a lauric acid-rich meal results in postprandial monocyte suppression of inflammatory TLR responses, a reduction in the ability to migrate towards a chemokine gradient whilst accumulating cytoplasmic neutral lipid droplets. The immunosuppression may be caused by accumulation of anti-inflammatory metabolites of DHA. Graphical Abstract Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation, UK

Nutritional adequacy of very low- and high-carbohydrate, low saturated fat diets in adults with type 2 diabetes: A secondary analysis of a 2-year randomised controlled trial

BackgroundGrowing evidence supports use of very low-carbohydrate (LC) diets for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. However, limited data on the micronutrient adequacy of LC diets exist. ObjectiveThis study compared the long-term effects of a very low-carbohydrate, high unsaturated/low saturated fat (LC) diet to a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HC) diet on micronutrient biomarkers in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Methods115 adults with type 2 diabetes (mean[SD]; BMI:34.6[4.3]kg/m2, age:58[7]yrs, HbA1c:7.3[1.1]%, 56[12]mmol/mol) were randomized to one of two planned, nutritionally-replete, energy-matched, hypocaloric diets (500–1000 kcal/day deficit): (1) LC:14% energy carbohydrate, 28%protein, 58%fat[<10% saturated fat]) or (2) HC:53%carbohydrate, 17%protein, 30%fat [<10%saturated fat]) for 2 years. Nutritional biomarkers- folate, β-carotene, vitamin B12, D, E, copper, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, ferritin, transferrin and transferrin saturation were measured in fasting blood at baseline, 24, 52 and 104 weeks. Results61 participants completed the study with similar dropouts in each group (P = 0.40). For all biomarkers assessed, there were no differential response between groups overtime (P ≥ 0.17 time × diet interaction). Mean vitamin and mineral levels remained within normal (laboratory-specific) reference ranges without any reported cases of clinical deficiencies. ConclusionIn free-living individuals with type 2 diabetes, nutrition biomarkers within normal ranges at baseline did not change significantly after 2 years on a prescribed LC or HC diet. These results demonstrate the feasibility of delivering a nutritionally replete LC diet and the importance of considering nutritional factors in planning LC diets that have strong public health relevance to the dietary management of type 2 diabetes.Trial Registration:http://www.anzctr.org.au/, ANZCTR No. ACTRN12612000369820.

Relation of Intake of Saturated Fat to Atherosclerotic Risk Factors, Health Behaviors, Coronary Atherosclerosis, and All-Cause Mortality Among Patients Who Underwent Coronary Artery Calcium Scanning

Although very brief questionnaires are commonly used to assess physical activity, an analogous approach for assessing diet quality within clinical practice has not been developed. Thus, we undertook an exploratory study to evaluate the association between a single-item questionnaire regarding dietary quality and patient risk profiles, lifestyle habits, lipid values, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and mortality. We assessed 15,368 patients who underwent CAC scanning, followed for a median of 12.1 years for all-cause mortality. Diet quality was assessed according to a single-item question regarding self-reported adherence to a low saturated fat diet (0 = never, 10 = always), with patients categorized into 4 dietary groups based on their response, ranging from low to very high saturated fat intake. We observed a significant stepwise association between reported saturated fat intake and smoking, exercise activity, obesity, and serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and triglyceride values. Following adjustment for age and risk factors, patients reporting very high saturated fat intake had an elevated hazard ratio for mortality versus low saturated fat intake: 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.44). The hazard ratio was no longer significant after further adjustment for exercise activity. Upon division of patients according to baseline CAC, a stepwise relationship was noted between increasing saturated fat intake and mortality among patients with CAC scores ≥400 (p = 0.002). Thus, within our cohort, just a single-item exploratory questionnaire regarding very high saturated fat intake revealed stepwise associations with health behaviors and cardiac risk factors, suggesting the basis for further development of a practical dietary questionnaire for clinical purposes.

Nucleus accumbens cytoarchitecture predicts weight gain in children

The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents worldwide has quadrupled since 1975 and is a key predictor of obesity later in life. Previous work has consistently observed relationships between macroscale measures of reward-related brain regions (e.g., the nucleus accumbens [NAcc]) and unhealthy eating behaviors and outcomes; however, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. Recent work has highlighted a potential role of neuroinflammation in the NAcc in animal models of diet-induced obesity. Here, we leverage a diffusion MRI technique, restriction spectrum imaging, to probe the microstructure (cellular density) of subcortical brain regions. More specifically, we test the hypothesis that the cell density of reward-related regions is associated with obesity-related metrics and early weight gain. In a large cohort of nine- and ten-year-olds enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, we demonstrate that cellular density in the NAcc is related to individual differences in waist circumference at baseline and is predictive of increases in waist circumference after 1 y. These findings suggest a neurobiological mechanism for pediatric obesity consistent with rodent work showing that high saturated fat diets increase gliosis and neuroinflammation in reward-related brain regions, which in turn lead to further unhealthy eating and obesity.

Comparison of the Effect of Calorie-Matched High Saturated Fat and High Unsaturated Fat Diets on Lysosomal Renal Injury in Non-Obese, Streptozotocin-Injected CD-1 Mice

Comparison of the Effect of Calorie-Matched High Saturated Fat and High Unsaturated Fat Diets on Lysosomal Renal Injury in Non-Obese, Streptozotocin-Injected CD-1 Mice