Suc Group Research Articles

Korean urobiome platform (KUROM) study for acute uncomplicated sporadic versus recurrent cystitis in women: Clinical significance.

To investigate urine microbiome differences among healthy women, women with recurrent uncomplicated cystitis (rUC), and those with sporadic/single uncomplicated cystitis (sUC) to challenge traditional beliefs about origins of these infections. Patients who underwent both conventional urine culture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of urine were retrospectively reviewed. Symptom-free women with normal urinalysis results as a control group were also studied. Samples were collected via transurethral catheterization. In the control group, urine microbiome was detected on NGS in 83.3%, with Lactobacillus and Prevotella being the most abundant genera. The sensitivity of urine NGS was significantly higher than that of conventional urine culture in both the sUC group (91.2% vs. 32.4%) and the rUC group (82.4% vs. 16.4%). In urine NGS results, Enterobacterales, Prevotella, and Escherichia/Shigella were additionally found in the sUC group, while the recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI)/rUC group exhibited the presence of Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Enterobacterales, Escherichia/Shigella, and Propionibacterium. Moreover, distinct patterns of urine NGS were observed based on menopausal status and ingestion of antibiotics or probiotics prior to NGS test sampling. Urine microbiomes in control, sUC, and rUTI/rUC groups exhibited distinct characteristics. Notably, sUC and rUC might represent entirely separate pathological processes, given their distinct urine microbiomes. Consequently, the use of urine NGS might be essential to enhancing sensitivity compared to conventional urine culture in both sUC and rUTI/rUC groups.

Effects of metformin on behavioral alterations produced by chronic sucrose consumption in male rats.

Excessive consumption of sugary drinks negatively impacts the developing brain, producing long-lasting behavioral and metabolic disorders. Here, we study whether treatment with the antihyperglycemic agent metformin prevents some of the anxiety and memory alterations produced by chronic sucrose consumption. Male Sprague-Dawley rats had unrestricted access to water (control group) and a bottle containing a 10% sucrose solution (sucrose group, SUC) for 35 days. In parallel, a group of animals from SUC received metformin (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg, orally; MET 25 and MET 50 groups, respectively). After 2 weeks of metformin treatment, the animals weighed less than controls. SUC and MET 50 groups compensated for the caloric intake from the sugary solution by consuming less chow. In contrast, total energy intake in MET 25 was higher than the rest of the groups, but they still weighed less than control and SUC groups, suggesting that at this concentration, metformin delays body growth. The animals were then tested for the open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and novel object location (NOL) tests. In the OF, SUC animals spent more time in the central zone of the arena, evidenced by an increased number of entries and the distance traveled there. In the EPM, SUC animals spent more time in the open arms and less time in the central square. Metformin treatment prevented the decreased anxiety observed in SUC animals in the OF and EPM. In the NOL test, SUC animals showed less interest in novelty and metformin treatment did not improve this alteration. The preference for open spaces in the OF and EPM were associated with increased serum triglycerides (TG) and malondialdehyde levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the hippocampus (HIP), while poor memory performance was associated with high basal blood glucose levels. In conclusion, the decreased anxiety-like behavior produced by chronic sucrose consumption was prevented by metformin treatment, through a mechanism that probably involves normalization of TG levels and decreased oxidative stress in mPFC and HIP.

Negative pressure wound therapy promotes wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers by up-regulating PRDX2 in wound margin tissue

To understand the changes in the peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) expression level in the wound margin tissue (T-PRDX2) of patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) before and after negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Additionally, the study aimed to explore the association between PRDX2 expression and the treatment outcome of DFUs to provide a new theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism of NPWT promoting the healing of DFUs. Fifty-six type 2 diabetes patients with foot ulcers undergoing NPWT (the DFU group) and 28 patients with chronic lower limb skin ulcers with normal glucose tolerance undergoing NPWT (the skin ulcer control [SUC] group) were included in the study. T-PRDX2 was detected using Western blotting, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were detected using a biochemical method. In addition, in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the effect of PRDX2 expression on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Before NPWT, the DFU group exhibited a significantly lower T-PRDX2 expression level compared with the SUC group. After one week of NPWT, the T-PRDX2 expression level, SOD activity, and GSH content in the wound margin tissues of the DFU and SUC groups significantly increased compared with the before NPWT levels. Conversely, the inflammatory indicators (white blood cell, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin) and MDA content were significantly lower than the before NPWT levels. The expression changes of T-PRDX2 before and after NPWT in the DFU and SUC groups were positively correlated with the 4-week wound healing rate. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PRDX2 could alleviate the oxidative stress in NHDFs, thereby promoting their proliferation and migration, while reducing cell apoptosis. NPWT promotes DFU healing by increasing T-PRDX2, and changes in the T-PRDX2 might be associated with the therapeutic effect of NPWT.

Anxiolytic-like effect of succinic acid: A possible GABAergic intervention

In the modern era, physical and mental stress lead to anxiety at an alarming rate. Therefore, searching for new lead compounds that deal with anxiety has a practical demand. Our study aimed to evaluate succinic acid's (SUC) possibility of managing anxiety through in vivo and in silico studies. For this, SUC (5, 10, and 15) mg/kg were administered orally (p.o.) to the adult male Swiss mice, followed by several studies like open field, swing, hole cross, and light-dark residence tests. The GABAergic agonist diazepam (DZP-2 mg/kg) and an antagonist such as caffeine (CAF-10 mg/kg) were also studied in combination with the SUC group. In contrast to the DZP group, SUC significantly (p < 0.0001) increased the amount of time that animals spent in the light, suggesting that it may have relaxing impacts on mice. Additionally, in silico studies were carried out to understand the interaction between SUC and GABAA (α1, β2, and γ2) receptor subunits. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties were examined by pkCSM and SwissADME online servers and found to be supportive of considering SUC as a potential drug candidate. Our experiment found that SUC-10 had an anxiolytic-like effect on the animals. SUC-10, when combined with DZP, produced more significant (p < 0.0001) anxiolytic effects than their individual groups, suggesting possible synergistic effects with this commonly used anxiolytic drug. SUC-10 also altered CAF-mediated effects in mice. An in silico study demonstrates that SUC has good interaction capacity with GABAA receptor subunits. Taken together, SUC-10 exerted anxiolytic-like effects in Swiss mice. It may act synergistically with DZP while acting antagonistically with CAF, possibly through GABAergic interaction pathways.

Changes in miroRNA-103 expression in wound margin tissue are related to wound healing of diabetes foot ulcers.

To investigate the relationship between small noncoding microRNA-103 (miR-103) and wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and the underlying molecular mechanism, forty type 2 diabetes mellitus with DFU (DFU group), and 20 patients with a chronic skin ulcer of lower limbs and normal glucose tolerance (SUC group) were included. Quantitative real-time PCR method was used to determine miR-103 expression levels in the wound margin tissue of subjects, and to analyse the relationship between the expression of miR-103 and DFU wound healing. In vitro experiments were also performed to understand the effect of miR-103 on the high glucose-induced injury of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) cells. The results showed that the miR-103 expression level in the DFU group was significantly higher than that in the SUC group [5.81 (2.25-9.36) vs 2.08 (1.15-5.72)] (P < 0.05). The expression level of miR-103 in the wound margin tissue of DFU was negatively correlated with the healing rate of foot ulcers after four weeks (P=0.037). In vitro experiments revealed that miR-103 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of NHDF cells and promote the apoptosis of NHDF cells by targeted regulation of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) gene expression in a high glucose environment. Down-regulation of miR-103 could alleviate high glucose-induced NHDF cell injury by promoting RCAN1 expression. Therefore, the increased expression of miR-103 is involved in the functional damage of NHDF cells induced by high-glucose conditions, which is related to poor wound healing of DFU. These research findings will provide potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic skin wounds in diabetes.

Adolescent exposure to a solid high-fat, high-sugar ‘cafeteria’ diet leads to more pronounced changes in metabolic measures and gut microbiome composition than liquid sugar in female rats

Adolescence is a dynamic developmental period where unhealthy solid foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are routinely consumed. Regular consumption of solid ‘junk’ foods rich in fat and refined carbohydrate and sugar-sweetened beverages are independently associated with an increased risk of metabolic disease and altered gut microbiome composition. Here we used a validated rat model to determine the effects of a solid ‘cafeteria’ diet high in fat and sugar (Caf) and 10% liquid sucrose solution (Suc) on food intake, metabolic measures and gut microbiome composition. Sixty adolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed standard chow with or without continuous access to Caf diet and/or Suc for 13 weeks (n = 15). Exposure to cafeteria diet and liquid sucrose each increased body weight gain and adiposity, with no synergistic effects. Gut microbiome alpha and beta diversity parameters were more strongly affected by exposure to Caf diet than access to liquid Suc. Nonetheless, providing liquid sucrose to rats fed chow altered gut microbiome beta diversity and significantly enriched the abundance of five taxa from order Clostridiales. By contrast, in the two groups fed Caf, Suc did not alter beta diversity, with few differentially abundant taxa between Caf and Caf + Suc groups. In sum, liquid sucrose and solid cafeteria diet exerted largely independent effects on metabolic and gut microbiome measures. Interventions targeting either solid junk foods or sugary beverages are likely to reduce diet-related disease burden.

Downregulation of hsa-miR-203 in peripheral blood and wound margin tissue by negative pressure wound therapy contributes to wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely used in the treatment of chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) as the severe manifestation of diabetic foot. Hsa-miR-203 is proven to be correlated with the severity of DFU. To investigate whether NPWT influences hsa-miR-203 levels in persons with DFU, we detected hsa-miR-203 levels in peripheral plasma and wound margin tissue from the following patients: type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients with DFU (DFU group), T2D patients without DFU (NDFU group), patients with chronic skin ulcer and normal glucose tolerance (SUC group), and healthy volunteers with normal glucose tolerance (NC group). All patients in SUC group received NPWT. As contrast, some of patients in DFU group received NPWT (NPWT group) while others chose routine dressing therapy (non-NPWT group). In vitro experiments were also performed to determine influences of negative pressure on cell proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells (human keratinocytes). Results showed that before NPWT, levels of hsa-miR-203 in peripheral plasma (P-miR-203) and wound margin tissue (T-miR-203) of DFU group were obviously increased compared to SUC group while expression of P-miR-203 decreased in NDFU group compared with NC group. After NPWT, levels of P-miR-203 and T-miR-203 in DFU and SUC group were significantly lower than before. Changes of P-miR-203 and T-miR-203 after NPWT were positively correlated with 4-week ulcer healing rate in NPWT and SUC group. In vitro, negative pressure lowered the expression of hsa-miR-203, enhancing cell proliferation and migration in HaCaT cells via up-regulation of p63 protein. Meanwhile, the effects of negative pressure on cells were remarkable reduced by high-glucose intervention. Our study suggests that NPWT promotes DFU healing by reducing the expression of hsa-miR-203 in peripheral blood and wound tissue. The changes of hsa-miR-203 in peripheral blood and wound tissue may be related to the therapeutic effect of NPWT.

당 삼투건조 전처리를 달리한 열풍건조 다래의 품질 특성

In this study, various osmosis pretreatments were performed and the quality characteristics were compared in order to develop the optimal hot-air dried ‘Darae’ product. Treatment groups were osmoticized with sugar (SUC) and sorbitol (SOR), and were divided according to the presence or absence of ascorbic acid treatment at 30 and 55, respectively. The SOR groups showed high weight reduction (%) and low moisture content. Among the SUC groups the treatments added with ascorbic acid added at 55 showed high drying efficiency. The browning of fruits was more severe in the SOR, and as a result of the physical property analysis, the SUC tended to have a lower hardness and the flesh was soft. The total flavonoid contents and DPPH scavenging activity were high in the SUC groups, and especially the ascorbic acid treatment groups showed significantly higher antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation showed that, there was no significant difference in sweetness or sourness, and in terms of appearance, SUC groups scored high. Therefore, it is appropriate to use an osmotic-dried solution of a 55 sugar osmosis solution added with ascorbic acid for manufacturing the optimal dried sputum with both palatability, functionality, and drying efficiency.

Влияние сукцинатсодержащего препарата на лейкоцитарный состав крови крыс в покое и при плавании с грузом в тесте «до отказа»

This paper studied the dynamics of the blood leukocyte composition in Wistar male rats at rest and when swimming with a weight before and after being administered a succinate-containing drug (Suc, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid). Two control groups of animals kept in standard vivarium conditions were selected: those that received Suc 12 hours before the examination (VivC+Suc) and those that did not receive it (VivC). Similarly, two groups of animals were formed that were swimming with a load (4 % of their body weight) to exhaustion: those that received the drug 12 hours before the test (Swim4%+Suc) and those that did not receive it (Swim4%). Unidirectional shifts characterizing the morphofunctional state of white blood cells under experimental conditions were detected. In VivC+Suc animals, compared to VivC, we found an increase in the number of leukocytes due to the growing number of eosinophils and monocytes, large lymphocytes and microlymphocytes with a relative decrease in the number of small lymphocytes and an unchanged level of granulocytes with a tendency towards a decrease in the number of stab neutrophils. In the Swim4%+Suc group, compared to the Swim4%, changes in the number of white blood cells and their subpopulation composition manifested themselves in a similar way to the redistribution of immunocytes identified in the control groups. The increase in the neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio in the Swim4%+Suc group as an indicator of stress tolerance corresponded to the increase in the swimming time of rats by the factor of 2.8. The differences in the blood cell composition between the VivC+Suc and VivC groups are viewed as the influence of Suc on the body’s preparation to the fulfilment of the protective function under physical load, since the distribution pattern of the blood leukocyte composition in rats from the VivC+Suc group is very similar to that of the Swim4%+Suc group. The practical significance of this study is associated with the search for new biologically active substances that optimally influence the immune system of animals under increased load. New data on the mechanism of blood redistribution in animals under the action of Suc before the swimming test can be used to study the manifestation patterns of acute adaptation effect. For citation: Rubtsova L.Yu., Mongalev N.P., Vakhnina N.A., Shadrina V.D., Chupakhin O.N., Boyko E.R. Effect of a Succinate-Containing Drug on the Blood Leukocyte Composition in Rats at Rest and During a Weight-Loaded Forced Swimming Test. Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2021, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 182–191. DOI: 10.37482/2687-1491-Z056

Comparison of High Fructose Corn Syrup Versus Sucrose Consumption on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Juvenile Iberian Pigs

Abstract Objectives Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic disorder and the most common liver disease in pediatric populations. Epidemiological studies have observed a parallel increase in fructose consumption and incidence of NAFLD among children. The objective of this study was to compare the relative effect of inclusion of isocaloric amounts of high fructose corn syrup (66.5% fructose, 33.5% glucose) versus sucrose (50% fructose, 50% glucose) in the diet for 16 weeks on endpoints of NAFLD and insulin resistance. Methods 30-d-old Iberian pigs were housed in pairs and randomly assigned to receive solid diets (g/kg body weight × d) of 1) control (CON; n = 6): 0 g HFCS, 0 g SUC, and 174.03 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), 2) high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS; n = 8): 31.20 g high-fructose corn syrup, 0 g sucrose and 261 kcal ME, and 3) Sucrose (SUC; n = 6): 0 g high-fructose corn syrup, 24.04 g sucrose and 261 kcal ME for 16 consecutive weeks. Results Compared to CON, both HFCS and SUC diets increased body weight gain (P ≤ 0.001), relative liver weight (P ≤ 0.01) and leptin levels (P ≤ 0.01), and decreased percentage of lean mass composition in the animals (P ≤ 0.001). In addition, HFCS increased fasting insulin levels compared to CON (P ≤ 0.05), and decreased percentage lean mass compared to SUC (P ≤ 0.05). 75% of HFCS and 66.6% of SUC pigs showed histopathological lesions consistent with microvesicular steatosis with periportal or diffuse distribution. Serum markers of liver injury did not differ between diets, and none of the animals developed inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, Mallory hyaline or necrosis in the liver. Metabolomics analysis revealed liver sorbitol and monosaccharide concentrations were higher in both the HFCS and SUC groups versus CON (P ≤ 0.05), while adenosine monophosphate (AMP) were higher and adenosine diphosphate levels lower in the HFCS and SUC in comparison to CON (P ≤ 0.05). Numerous phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins were differentially changed in the HFCS group versus CON (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Feeding diets high in either sucrose or high fructose corn syrup promoted obesity and steatosis in the animals. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms leading to increased insulin resistance in the HFCS group. Funding Sources ARI #58,873, AcornSeekers, STRIDE.

The Multicomponent, Multitarget Therapy SUC in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational, Nonrandomized Cohort Study

Background: We compared the natural multicomponent, multitarget therapy SUC (Solidago compositum ad us. vet., Ubichinon compositum and Coenzyme compositum, Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany) to the well-known angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril in a prospective, observational, nonrandomized, two-arm cohort study of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective was to assess the tolerability and the effectiveness of SUC in cats with CKD. Material and Methods: One hundred thirty-six cats were screened for CKD, and 70 cats were eligible for the study. Thirty-three cats were assigned to the SUC treatment, and 35 cats received benazepril. All cats were diagnosed with CKD. The follow-up period was 168 days. Response was assessed as an improved or stable serum creatinine from baseline to the end of the study. Additionally, a clinical summary score, as measure of quality of life, was evaluated. Results: Serum creatinine remained close to baseline in both study groups with slightly improved values in the SUC group. The clinical summary score improved significantly in the SUC group on days 3, 7, 28, 56 and 112, but not on day 168. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, the results carry implications for the usefulness of SUC as an interesting new treatment option for feline CKD. The results indicate that SUC might be more effective if given at least twice weekly.

Tissue Changes in the Development of Fatty Liver by Chronic Ingestion of Sucrose Associated with Obesity and Dyslipidemia in Rats.

A diet high in sucrose, which is a common food constituent, induces obesity and non- alcoholic fatty liver (NFLD) caused by high caloric intake; however, it is important to investigate those sequential changes in the hepatic parenchyma related to sugar consumption which are associated to obesity and dyslipidemia. We analyzed the effects of long-term sucrose intake on fatty liver development, by the administration of 30% sucrose in drinking water in healthy Wistar rats during 30 weeks. Serum variables, body fat index, caloric intake and microscopic examination of liver tissue were monitored. In the first week, grade 1 steatosis was observed with ballooned hepatocytes, with a caloric intake of 125 ± 1.90 kcal / day / 100 g of body weight; together with a gain of 71% in abdominal fat with respect to the control group and dyslipidemia. During the 10 to 20 weeks period, steatosis grade 2 with noticeable inflammation (steatohepatitis), polymorphic cells and ballooned hepatocytes were evident. After 10 weeks, the caloric intake was 72.9 ± 5.99 kcal / day / 100 g of body weight with 199% of gain in abdominal fat in SUC groups with respect control group (p < 0.01) and moderate dyslipidemia; while after 20 weeks, the caloric intake was 61.6 ± 4.65 kcal / day / 100 g of body weight with 208% of gain in abdominal fat and also moderate dyslipidemia. After 30 weeks steatosis grade 3 with marked inflammation (steatohepatitis), periportal fibrosis, globose and fat-filled hepatocytes were observed, with a caloric intake of 52.3 ± 3.05 kcal / day / 100 g of body weight and 232% of gain in abdominal fat that was related to severe dyslipidemia. In conclusion, the sequential changes in the development of NAFLD were associated with the ingestion of sucrose and obesity since the first week of administration.

Sucrose or sucrose and caffeine differentially impact memory and anxiety-like behaviours, and alter hippocampal parvalbumin and doublecortin

Caffeinated sugar-sweetened "energy" drinks are a subset of soft drinks that are popular among young people worldwide. High sucrose diets impair cognition and alter aspects of emotional behaviour in rats, however, little is known about sucrose combined with caffeine. Rats were allocated to 2 h/day 10% sucrose (Suc), 10% sucrose plus 0.04% caffeine (CafSuc) or control (water) conditions. The addition of caffeine to sucrose appeared to increase the rewarding aspect of sucrose, as the CafSuc group consumed more solution than the Suc group. After 14 days of intermittent Suc or CafSuc access, anxiety was assessed in the elevated plus maze (EPM) prior to their daily solution access, whereby CafSuc and Suc rats spent more time in the closed arms, indicative of increased anxiety. Following daily solution access, CafSuc, but not Suc, rats showed reduced anxiety-like behaviour in the open-field. Control and CafSuc rats displayed intact place and long-term object memory, while Suc showed impaired memory performance. Sucrose reduced parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the hippocampus, but no differences were observed between Control and CafSuc conditions. Parvalbumin reactivity in the basolateral amygdala did not differ between conditions. Reduced doublecortin immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus relative to controls was seen in the CafSuc, but not Suc, treatment conditions. These findings indicate that the addition of caffeine to sucrose attenuated cognitive deficits. However, the addition of caffeine to sucrose evoked anxiety-like responses under certain testing conditions, suggesting that frequent consumption of caffeinated energy drinks may promote emotional alterations and brain changes compared to standard soft drinks.

Effects of Moderate Consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Glucose Tolerance and Body Composition in Rats

INTRODUCTION: To combat the effects of excess energy intake on obesity and glucose intolerance, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) have been used as a replacement for more energy dense traditional sweeteners. However, limited research has been completed regarding the metabolic effects of moderate consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of moderate consumption of NNS (aspartame and sucrose) on glucose tolerance and the insulin response to an oral glucose load, and on body composition in an animal model. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N=30) were given aspartame (ASP, n=10, 8.5 mg/kg/day) or sucralose (SUC, n=10, 2.6 mg/kg/day) in drinking water, or untreated water as a control (n=10) for 6 weeks. In the morning, after overnight fasting, rats underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (2g/kg 50% dextrose w/v by gavage). Blood was obtained by tail clip; glucose was measured by glucose meter and insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay. Following euthanasia, lean mass and fat mass were determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; epididymal fat pads were removed and weighed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups in area under the curve for glucose or insulin response to an oral glucose load. Significant differences in serum insulin were seen 15 minutes after the glucose load between both the ASP (0.72 ± 0.06 ng/mL vs 0.94 ± 0.08 ng/mL, p=0.035) and SUC group (0.72 ± 0.07 ng/mL vs 0.94 ± 0.08 ng/mL, p=0.048) compared with the control. While percent body fat was not different between groups, epididymal fat pad mass was significantly higher in the ASP group compared with the control group (5.50 ± 0.34 g vs 4.55 ± 0.19 g, p=0.042), while the ratio of trunk fat to total fat was significantly lower in the SUC group compared with controls (0.49 ± .02 vs 0.60 ± .14, p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: Moderate consumption of aspartame or sucralose had no effect on percent body fat. Fifteen minutes following a glucose load, serum insulin was significantly lower in both NNS groups compared with the control, suggesting a potential suppression in insulin response. Both aspartame and sucralose altered body fat distribution. These results may have implications for addressing abdominal obesity.

Effects of Alcohol on Postoperative Adhesion Formation in Ischemic Myocardium and Pericardium

Postoperative formation of adhesions increases risk of complications during cardiac reoperations. We previously demonstrated that swine supplemented with vodka had a significant reduction in adhesions at sternotomy after previous thoracotomy. This follow-up study was conducted to determine reproducibility and the mechanism for adhesion reduction in swine supplemented with ethanol. An ameroid constrictor was placed in the left circumflex in 14 male Yorkshire swine to induce chronic myocardial ischemia through left minithoracotomy. Animals were supplemented postoperatively with ethanol (45 g ETOH, n= 7) or sucrose (80 g SUC, n= 7) for 7 weeks, followed by a reoperative median sternotomy. The ETOH group had significantly fewer adhesions, thinner pericardial thickness, decreased intramyocardial fibrosis, and decreased myocardial collagen deposition compared with the SUC group. In the myocardium, ETOH animals had decreased expression of proadhesion proteins focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, integrin-β1, transforming growth factor-β1 and phosphorylated SMAD and increased expression of adhesion breakdown proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 compared with SUC animals. However in the pericardium, ETOH animals had increased expression of proadhesion proteins focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, phosphorylated paxillin, vinculin, integrin-β1, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, and phosphorylated SMAD3, and decreased expression of adhesion breakdown proteins MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, and plasmin compared with SUC animals. Alcohol supplementation substantially reduced postoperative pericardial adhesion formation, attenuated pericardial thickening, and reduced myocardial fibrosis in response to chronic ischemia. Alcohol supplementation modulates adhesion protein and MMP/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase expression, favoring a profile associated with reduced pericardial adhesions. These results suggest that the myocardium is the driving factor in reducing pericardial adhesions and mediating the postoperative healing process.

Effect of xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture on defecation frequency and symptoms in young women with constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the intake of xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture (XOS) on defecation frequency and symptoms in 56 young women (mean age of 22.1 years old) with constipation. Methods: Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, a randomized double-blind study was performed to evaluate the effect of 6 intake of 10 g sucrose containing 7% xylooligosaccharide or 10 g sucrose on constipation. In experiment 2, 24 g coffee mixture containing 12.8 g plant cream and 11.2 g xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture was consumed by the subjects. During the study, the clinical efficacy was assessed by using a daily diary. The subjects indicated the number of frequencies they defecated in a day and the clinical symptom scores. Results: In experiment 1, the mean frequency of defecations was 2.07 in the pretreatment week and increased significantly to 4.05, 4.42, 4.84, 4.84, and 4.05 in weeks 2 to 6 of XOS intake, in comparison with the 3-3.67 with sucrose intake (sucrose, SUC). In experiment 2, the mean frequency of defecations significantly increased from 2.47 in the pretreatment week to 4.11-5.67 in weeks 1-6 of XOS intake. The occurrence of very loose or loose stools in the XOS group was significantly increased in weeks 5 and 6, compared with the pretreatment week and SUC group. XOS intake significantly alleviated the abdominal displeasure and feeling of residual stool leftness in weeks 2, 3, 5, and 6, while SUC did so in weeks 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). The coffee mixture containing xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture reduced the abdominal displeasure and feeling of residual stool leftness from week 3 until the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture intake was effective, without adverse effects, for the alleviation of constipation in the young women in this study.

Metabolic and behavioural effects of sucrose and fructose/glucose drinks in the rat

Overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, in particular carbonated soft drinks, promotes the development of overweight and obesity and is associated with metabolic disturbances, including intrahepatic fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome. One theory proposes that drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup are particularly detrimental to health, as they contain fructose in its 'free' monosaccharide form. This experiment tested whether consuming 'free' fructose had a greater impact on body weight and metabolic abnormalities than when consumed 'bound' within the disaccharide sucrose. Male Hooded Wistar rats were given free access for 56 days to 10% sucrose (Group Suc), 10%, 50/50 fructose/glucose (Group FrucGluc) or water control drinks (Group Control), plus chow. Caloric intake and body weights were measured throughout the protocol, and the following metabolic indices were determined between days 54 and 56: serum triglycerides, liver triglycerides, retroperitoneal fat and oral glucose tolerance. Animals with access to sugar beverages consumed 20% more calories, but did not show greater weight gain than controls. Nevertheless, they developed larger abdominal fat pads, higher triglyceride levels and exhibited impaired insulin/glucose homeostasis. Comparison of the two sugars revealed increased fasting glycaemia in the FrucGluc group, but not in Suc group, whereas the Suc group was more active in an open field. A metabolic profile indicating increased risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease was observed in animals given access to sugar-sweetened beverages. Notably, 'free' fructose disrupted glucose homeostasis more than did 'bound' fructose, thus posing a greater risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

Production of colored scalar particles in pp collisions and masses of scalar gluons from future LHC data

The production of pairs of scalar particles belonging to an arbitrary color multiplet of the SUc(3) group in proton-proton collisions is considered, and the differential and total cross sections for the corresponding partonic processes are obtained. The total cross section for the production of octets of scalar gluons F1 and F2 at LHC is calculated versus their mass, and their dominant decays, which are necessary for their searches, are discussed. It is shown that, for mF1 ≲ 1000 GeV, the number of signal \( t\tilde tb\tilde b \) events fromthe decays of the scalar gluon F1 may exceed substantially (by not less than three standard deviations) the Standart Model background and that the cross section for the production of scalar gluons F1 and F2 having masses in the region mF1,mF2 ≲ 1300 GeV may be sufficient for the efficient (Nevents ≲ 100–1000 at L = 10–100 fb−1) production of these particles at LHC.

Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid Induces Tissue-Specific Lipoprotein Lipase mRNA Modulation in High-Sucrose-Fed Mice

Background/Aims: To delineate the hypotriglyceridemic effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in mice, the effect of this fatty acid on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein C-III (ApoCIII) mRNA accumulation in muscle, adipose and liver tissue was studied. Methods: CD-1 mice were housed in groups of 6 and randomized to one of three experimental diets for 3 weeks: SUC: 65% sucrose by weight; CLA: 1% CLA oil (34.4% c9,t11; 35.1% t10,c12 and 4.1% other conjugated isomers) and 65% sucrose, and DEX: 65% dextrose, as a control. Results: LPL mRNA levels in muscle tissue were increased in the DEX group and in the CLA group (240% increase) compared with the SUC group. In contrast, LPL mRNA levels were 81% lower in epididymal adipose tissue from the CLA group compared with the SUC group. There was no effect of dietary treatments on ApoCIII mRNA accumulation in the liver. Conclusions: These data suggest that dietary CLA may induce partitioning of circulating triglycerides to muscle tissue, preventing their accumulation in adipocytes.

Long-term sucrose and glucose consumption decreases the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity in mice

Objective This study evaluated the long-term effects of high-glucose (GLU) and high-sucrose (SUC) diets on the development of obesity, abdominal fat deposition, glucose intolerance, oxidative stress and effects on δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity in various organs. In particular, the effect of aging on these parameters was evaluated. Methods Mice were assigned to a baseline, control, or experimental group. The control group was provided with tap water and experimental groups with solutions of glucose or sucrose for 30 wk. To verify the effect of aging, young mice (baseline group, 8 wk old) were compared with aged animals (control and experimental groups, 38 wk old). Results Consumption of GLU or SUC diets caused increases in body weight, abdominal fat index, and fasting plasma glucose levels. A positive correlation was observed between the abdominal fat index and fasting glucose levels. There was a significant increase in levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) and a significant decrease in δ-ALA-D activity in various tissues of GLU and SUC feeding mice. Importantly, the dithiothreitol-induced enzymatic reactivation in the GLU and SUC groups was significantly higher than in the control group, and in the aged group it was significantly higher than in the baseline group. After 30 wk, the experimental groups had a decrease in δ-ALA-D activity and an increase in TBARS levels in relation to the baseline group. Conclusion Alterations in the activity of the δ-ALA-D found in this work demonstrate the possible contributions of hyperglycemia and aging for protein oxidation, leading to impairment of its biologic function.