Dietary Treatments Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Restriction on PGC-1α Regulation in the Development of Age-associated Diseases.

Ageing is the most significant risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases, manifesting as cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Although multifactorial, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been proposed to be the driving forces of ageing. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator central to various metabolic functions, of which mitochondrial biogenesis is the most prominent function. Inducible by various stimuli, including nutrient limitations, PGC-1α is a molecule of interest in the maintenance of mitochondrial function and, therefore, the prevention of degenerative diseases. This review involves a literature search for articles retrieved from PubMed using PGC-1α, ageing, and dietary restriction as keywords. Dietary restriction has been shown to promote tissue-specific PGC-1α expression. Both dietary restriction and PGC-1α upregulation have been shown to prolong the lifespans of both lower and higher-level organisms; the incidence of non-communicable diseases also decreased in fasting mammals. In conclusion, dietary interventions may delay ageing by regulating healthy mitochondria in various organs, presenting the possibility of a new primary prevention for many age-related diseases.

Milk fat globule membrane attenuates acute Salmonella typhimurium infection induced mouse model of colitis and ameliorates intestinal immunity

Research investigating the effects of milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) on Salmonella typhimurium-induced colitis, intestinal barrier integrity, and gut-associated immune responses remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential of dietary MFGM to alleviate S. typhimurium-induced colitis in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered S. typhimurium to induce colitis and were then subjected to dietary interventions with either bovine MFGM (BMFGM) or goat MFGM (GMFGM). Both BMFGM and GMFGM mitigated S. typhimurium-induced colitis, as evidenced by increased body weight, decreased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the colon, reduced intestinal permeability, and increased mRNA expression of tight junction-associated genes (Claudin-1 and ZO-1). Additionally, there was a reduction in the number of S. typhimurium in the mesenteric lymph nodes and an improvement in CD4 T cell activation status. Furthermore, liver and spleen injury was reduced, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α) were decreased by both type of MFGM. Overall, BMFGM and GMFGM effectively alleviated S. typhimurium-induced colitis and associated hepatic and splenic injuries.

Short-term intermittent fasting and energy restriction do not impair rates of muscle protein synthesis: A randomised, controlled dietary intervention

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) is an effective energy restricted dietary strategy to reduce body and fat mass and improve metabolic health in individuals with either an overweight or obese status. However, dietary energy restriction may impair muscle protein synthesis (MPS) resulting in a concomitant decline in lean body mass. Due to periods of prolonged fasting combined with irregular meal intake, we hypothesised that IF would reduce rates of MPS compared to an energy balanced diet with regular meal patterns. AimsWe assessed the impact of a short-term (ten days) alternate day fasting or a continuous energy restricted diet to a control diet on integrated rates of skeletal MPS in middle-aged males with overweight or obesity. MethodsTwenty-seven middle-aged males with overweight or obesity (age: 44.6±5.4 y; BMI: 30.3±2.6 kg/m2) consumed a three-day lead-in diet, followed by a ten-day controlled dietary intervention matched for protein intake, as alternate day fasting (ADF: 62.5 energy (En)%, days of 25 En% alternated with days of 100 En% food ingestion), continuous energy restriction (CER: 62.5 En%), or an energy balanced, control diet (CON: 100 En%). Deuterated water (D2O) methodology with saliva, blood, and skeletal muscle sampling were used to assess integrated rates of MPS over the ten-day intervention period. Secondary measures included fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, continuous glucose monitoring, and assessment of body composition. ResultsThere were no differences in daily rates of MPS between groups (ADF: 1.18±0.13, CER: 1.13±0.16, and CON: 1.18±0.18%/day, P>0.05). The reductions in body mass were greater in ADF and CER compared to CON (P<0.001). Lean and fat mass were decreased by a similar magnitude across groups (main time effect, P<0.001; main group effect, P>0.05). Fasting plasma leptin concentrations decreased in ADF and CER (P<0.001), with no differences in fasting plasma glucose or insulin concentrations between groups. ConclusionShort-term alternate day fasting does not lower rates of MPS compared to continuous energy restriction or an energy balanced, control diet with matched protein intake. The prolonged effects of IF and periods of irregular energy and protein intake patterns on muscle mass maintenance remain to be investigated. This trial was registered under Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au), identifier no. ACTRN12619000757112.

Metabolomic insights into the beneficial effects of dietary purple potato on DSS-induced murine colon colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by disturbance in intestinal flora and metabolomic profiles. Building on previous findings that purple potato (PP) supplementation suppresses inflammation and restores intestinal barrier in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice, this study examined changes in the fecal metabolome in the same cohort. Mice were fed 0 % or 10 % PP for 7 weeks, with DSS administered in the fifth week of dietary treatment followed by one-week normal drinking water recovery. A total of 68 metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, and polyamines, were significantly altered across the groups. PP supplementation reversed changes in 13 of the 25 DSS-altered metabolites. Six microbial metabolites derived from PP polyphenols were identified and positively correlated with M2 macrophage polarization. Data suggest that dietary PP is effective in reducing inflammation and improves gut metabolites in DSS-induced colitis mice, offering a potential dietary therapy for managing IBD.

Effects of Different Technological Forms of the Perilla frutescens in the Diet on Ruminal Fermentation, Milk and Plasma Fatty Acid Composition, Ruminal Biohydrogenation and Milk Quality in Dairy Goats.

Fatty acids can be protected by changing their structure or form against microbial activity, and the different forms of fatty acids can modulate the ruminal biohydrogenation rate and contribute to the desired fatty acid profile in milk fat. The study investigated the effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens) dietary supplementation in the diet in different technological forms (seed, oil and formaldehyde-treated oil) on milk, plasma and ruminal fatty acid composition, and milk quality in lactating goats. The four dietary treatments consisted of (1) no supplementation, basal diet (CON); (2) perilla supplementation as seed at 44.7g/kg (consisting of 20g/kg oil (PS)); (3) perilla supplementation as oil at 20g/kg (PO); (4) perilla supplementation as formaldehyde treated oil at 20g/kg (protected perilla oil [PPO]). The experiment was implemented in a double 4×4 Latin square trial design, and sampling was carried out for 7 days after 21 days of adaptation. Performance parameters were not affected by P. frutescens supplementation to the diet. PO decreased milk fat, whereas PPO increased milk fat. Milk cholesterol was not affected by P. frutescens dietary supplementation. Perilla oil supplementation in different forms to the diet did not affect ruminal pH, VFA and methane production. Perilla oil supplementation in different forms to the diet did not also affect the concentration of blood serum glucose, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids. Perilla supplementation to the diet increased the milk conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), C18:3n-3, C22:5n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, and PPO group showed the greatest values. Ruminal palmitic (C16:0) acid was decreased, and in perilla groups, stearic acid (C18:0) concentration had the lowest, and ruminal c-9, t-11 CLA concentration had the highest value in PPO. It has been found that the most effective form of perilla oil in increasing milk quality is that with formaldehyde treatment (protected form). Perilla oil, which is a rich source of omega 3 in the diet, can be used to increase milk quality in goats without adversely affecting performance, ruminal fermentation and blood parameters.

Effects of Fungus (Aspergillus niger) Treated Castor seed Cake on the Performance and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Castor seed cake (CSC) has been recognized as a potential protein source for livestock due to its high Protein and amino acids profile. However, the cake contains some anti-nutrients and toxic compounds that may prevent its full utilization in Livestock feed. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of partial substitution of Groundnut cake with Fungus (Aspergillus niger) treated Castor seed cake (FCSC) on performance characteristics, egg quality and biochemical blood parameters of Japanese quail. Seventy-two quail chicks used for this experiment were subjected to three dietary treatments: Control diet (A, 0% FCSC), B (30% FCSC) and C (60% FCSC).

Dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae can replace protein sources with no detrimental effect on growth performance or intestinal health of nursery pigs.

This work aimed to determine the effects of dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to replace protein sources on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota in nursery pigs and to investigate the effects of dietary defatted BSFL at up to 30% at the expense of protein sources on growth performance in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 36 barrows with an initial body weight of 7.0kg (standard deviation = 0.8) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicate pens per treatment and 3 barrows per pen. A corn-soybean meal (SBM)-whey-based control diet was prepared with soy protein concentrate and fish meal as additional protein supplements. Two additional diets were prepared to include 20% full-fat BSFL or 20% defatted BSFL to replace soy protein concentrate and fish meal to maintain the same energy and nutrient concentrations in all diets. In the 28-day feeding trial, pigs fed the diet containing defatted BSFL tended to consume more feeds (P < 0.10) than other groups during days 14 to 28 and the overall period. On day 28, the serum blood urea nitrogen in pigs fed the control diet was less (P < 0.05) than that fed the full-fat or defatted BSFL, but fecal score and jejunal morphology did not differ among the treatment groups. Relative abundance of Mycoplasma in the ileal digesta was less (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the diet containing full-fat or defatted BSFL compared with the control group. In Exp. 2, a total of 192 pigs with an initial body weight of 7.8 (standard deviation = 1.2kg) were randomly allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 4 barrows and 4 gilts per pen. A control diet was mainly based on corn, SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein. Three additional diets were prepared to contain 10%, 20%, and 30% defatted BSFL to replace SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein to maintain for the same energy and nutrient concentrations. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain:feed, and fecal score were not affected by increasing dietary defatted BSFL. Overall, dietary black soldier fly larvae did not compromise growth performance or intestinal health in nursery pigs. Black soldier fly larvae can be used in nursery pig diets to replace other protein sources without negative effects.

Decreased neutrophils are associated with reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes Incidence: Results from the CORDIOPREV study.

Numerous studies have reported an association between neutrophils and T2DM, although this relationship remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the interaction of neutrophils and a dietary intervention on T2DM incidence after 60 months of follow-up. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the framework of the CORDIOPREV study, which included 462 patients without T2DM at the beginning of the study. They were randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean or a low-fat diet, of whom 107 developed T2DM. Absolute neutrophil counts and other related-ratio, were measured. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the lowest tertile of basal neutrophils was associated with a reduced likelihood of T2DM incidence when compared to the middle [HR=0.499 (95%CI, 0.287-0.866)] and the highest tertiles [HR=0.442 (95%CI, 0.255-0.768)] in overall population, after adjusting for clinical variables. This association only remained significant in patients who follow a Mediterranean diet when compared the lowest to the middle [HR=0.423 (95% CI, 0.213-0.842)] and the highest tertiles [HR=0.371 (95% CI, 0.182-0.762)]. The predictive capacity yielded an AUC of 0.711 (95%CI: 0.652-0.769), being neutrophils the most important variable in the in the model. Decrease in neutrophils over the 60 months were associated with increased insulin sensitivity index (ISI) (R=-0.31; p=0.019), particularly in patients who followed the Mediterranean diet. These findings suggest that monitoring neutrophils can help prevent the development of T2DM, as a reduction in neutrophil counts could be associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Following a Mediterranean diet might be a potential strategy to reduce the incidence of T2DM by lowering neutrophil levels. Further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding regarding this mechanism.

Effects of dietary phytase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites of weaned piglets

Context Phytase plays a crucial role in the nutrition of piglets. Incorporating phytase into weaner pigs’ diet may alleviate the anti-nutritional effect by catalyzing the hydrolysis of phytic acid. As a result, bounded phosphorus and other minerals become more available for absorption, thereby enhancing nutrient utilization growth performance. Aims This study evaluated the efficacy of dietary phytase supplementation on the performance of weaned piglets. Methods Two hundred and forty cross-bred piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc), of initial average bodyweight (BW) of 5.57 ± 1 kg at weaning, were assigned to five dietary treatments in a complete randomized block design. The study was conducted in the following three phases: Phase 1 (Days 1–7), Phase 2 (Days 8–21), and Phase 3 (Days 22–35). The treatments included basal diet containing 0.15% lower concentration of both total calcium and total phosphorus (NC), a standard basal diet (PC), NC + 500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC500), NC + 1000 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1000), and NC + 1500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1500). Key results In Phase 1, the final BW was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. In Phase 2, Phase 3, and the overall days the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatments. The ADG and G:F were also higher (P &lt; 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. The digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, and blood myo-inositol was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment in Phase 2. In Phase 3, the level of blood myo-inositol was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC. Fecal inositol hexakisphosphate was lower (P &lt; 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC in both Phases 1 and 2. Conclusion Dietary supplementation of phytase increased the digestibility of phytate by releasing phosphorus, calcium, and myo-inositol concentration, leading to improved growth performance. Implications Inclusion of phytase in pig diets can help farmers save money on feed additives such as phosphorus, improve environmental sustainability, and promote better growth performance.

A Mediterranean dietary pattern intervention does not improve cardiometabolic risk but does improve quality of life and body composition in an Aotearoa New Zealand population at increased cardiometabolic risk: A randomised controlled trial.

To test if a New Zealand food-based Mediterranean diet (NZMedDiet) with behavioural intervention improves cardiometabolic health and wellbeing. A randomised controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of the NZMedDiet to usual diet in participants with increased cardiometabolic risk (metabolic syndrome severity score [MetSSS] > 0.35). The intervention group was provided with food and recipes to meet 75% of their energy requirements, supported by a behavioural intervention to improve adherence. The primary outcome measure was (MetSSS) after 12 weeks. Two hundred individuals with mean (SD) age 49.9 (10.9) years of which 62% women were enrolled with their household/whānau. After 12 weeks, the mean (SD) MetSSS was 1.0 (0.7) in the control (n = 98) and 0.8 (0.5) in the intervention (n = 102) group; estimated difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of -0.05 (-0.16 to 0.06), p = 0.35. The Mediterranean diet score (PyrMDS) was greater in the intervention group 1.6 (1.1-2.1), p < 0.001, consistent with a change to a more Mediterranean dietary pattern. Weight reduced in the NZMedDiet group compared with control (-1.9 kg [-2.0 to -0.34]), p = 0.006 and wellbeing, assessed by the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, and improved across all domains. For example, the physical component summary score difference (95% CI) was 4.0 (2.4-5.7), p < 0.001, and the mental component summary score difference was 3.0 (0.7-5.2), p = 0.01. In participants with increased cardiometabolic risk, food provision with a Mediterranean dietary pattern and a behavioural intervention did not improve metabolic risk scores but was associated with reduced weight and improved quality of life.

Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.

Effect of incremental exercise training interventions in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program following myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after myocardial infarction (MI) to improve prognosis, quality of life and control of cardiovascular risk factors. However, the specific impact of different exercise training interventions remains incompletely understood. Purpose To study the health outcomes of three incremental exercise training interventions during a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP) following MI. Methods We implemented a post-MI Phase 2 CRP in 2022. After initial exercise testing, a 3-month, individualized aerobic and strength ambulatory training program was provided by Cardiologists and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians (Group 1, n=58). Additionally, a subset of patients received one session of supervised teaching of aerobic and strength training by physiotherapists (Group 2, n=19), and another subset received 8-20 sessions of in-hospital supervised training (Group 3, n=13). Exercise testing was repeated at the end of Phase 2 and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) was measured. We analysed quality of life (SF-36), depression (PHQ2), anxiety (GAD2), adherence to Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED) and pharmacological treatment (Morisky-Green), and weekly physical activity (IPAQ). Health outcomes were compared at the beginning and after Phase 2 CRP. Results The cohort comprised 90 patients who completed Phase 2 CRP (mean age 61.2±10.8 years, 84.4% male and 47.8% smokers). Reductions in systolic blood pressure (-10.3±13.8mmHg), LDL cholesterol (-60.7±35.4mg/dL), weight (-2.8±6.6kg, -3±7.8%) and body mass index (-1±2.2) were attained (p&amp;lt;0.05). Smoking abstinence was accomplished in 88.4% of smokers and most patients achieved an LDL&amp;lt;55mg/dL (81.1%). Improvements in quality of life (SF-36 +10.4±19.4 points, p&amp;lt;0.001) and anxiety and depression symptoms (PHQ2 -0.5±1.6 points and GAD2 -0.6±1.6 points, p&amp;lt;0.01) were noted. An increase in peak VO2 (+5.12±5.44ml/kg/min, +23.5±27.4% from baseline, p&amp;lt;0.001) and predicted functional capacity (+13.4±23.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001) was achieved. Patients increased their reported weekly physical activity by 2520.3±2935.4 METS/week (+132% from baseline, p&amp;lt;0.001) and most of them were adherent to Mediterranean diet (91.1%) and pharmacological treatment (95.6%). Patients achieved similar health outcomes regardless of their exercise training group, except for patients in Group 3, who experienced a more pronounced improvement in peak VO2 (+8.1±6.4ml/kg/min, +37.8±34.7% from baseline; p&amp;lt;0.05) and a trend towards higher increase in predicted functional capacity (+21.7±19.2%, p&amp;lt;0.25) and greater weight loss (-5.5±9.4kg, -5.9±9.6%; p&amp;lt;0.2). Conclusions Supervised in-hospital training during a Phase 2 CRP provides superior physical fitness improvements and more pronounced weight loss in MI patients. However, a Phase 2 CRP based on ambulatory training provides similar benefits regarding other health outcomes, such as control of cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life amelioration.Exercise training interventions in a CRP

Low glycaemic index diet in pregnancy and child asthma: follow-up of the ROLO trial.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that a higher intake of sugar during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of childhood asthma and atopy. However, randomised trial evidence supporting such a link is lacking. This study aimed to examine whether a low glycaemic index (GI) dietary intervention during pregnancy decreases the risk of childhood asthma and eczema. This is a secondary analysis of 514 children from the ROLO trial. Healthy women were randomised to receive an intervention of low GI dietary advice or routine care from early pregnancy. Mothers reported current doctor-diagnosed eczema in their children at 2 years (n 271) and current doctor-diagnosed asthma and eczema in their children at 5 (n 357) and 9-11 years (n 391) of age. Multivariable logistic regression models were used test the effect of the intervention on child outcomes overall and stratified by maternal education. There was a suggestion of a reduction in asthma at 5 years of age in children whose mothers received the low GI dietary intervention during pregnancy compared with usual care (adjusted OR 0·46 (95 % CI 0·19, 1·09); P = 0·08). In stratified adjusted analyses, the intervention was associated with a reduced risk of asthma at 5 years of age in children born to mothers with incomplete tertiary level education but not in those with complete tertiary level education (OR 0·14 (95 % CI 0·02, 0·69); P = 0·010 and OR 1·03 (95 % CI 0·34, 3·13); P = 0·94, respectively). A low GI diet in pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing asthma in childhood, particularly amongst children born to mothers with lower educational attainment.

Dietary soy protein reverses obesity-induced liver steatosis and alters fecal microbial composition independent of isoflavone level

IntroductionMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major public health concern that is exacerbated by the obesity pandemic. Dietary interventions have the potential to alleviate obesity-associated MASLD through variable mechanisms, including optimizing the gut microbiota. Previously, we reported that soy protein concentrate (SPC) with low or high levels of isoflavone (LIF or HIF) protected young obese Zucker rats from developing liver steatosis. The current study was designed to test whether SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF diets would reverse liver steatosis and alter fecal microbial composition in adult obese Zucker rats with existing steatosis.MethodsSix-week-old male obese Zucker rats (n = 26) were fed a casein control diet (CAS) for 8 weeks and 7 rats were randomly selected and sacrificed to confirm liver steatosis. The remaining rats were randomly assigned to receive CAS, SPC-LIF, or SPC-HIF diet (n = 6–7/group) for an additional 10 weeks.ResultsCompared to CAS diet, feeding SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF diets resulted in significantly lower liver weight, liver steatosis score, and liver microvesicular score (p &amp;lt; 0.05), but did not lead to difference in body weight, liver macrovesicular score, serum ALT, or serum AST. Isoflavone levels (e.g., LIF vs. HIF) did not affect any of these measurements except in the SPC-HIF group, which had an additional decrease in liver weight (p &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to the SPC-LIF group. The SPC-HIF group also had significantly higher levels of the aglycone forms of daidzein, genistein, and equol as well as the total levels of daidzein, genistein, and equol compared to SPC-LIF or CAS diet fed rats (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The distribution of microbial communities based on measures of beta diversity of both SPC-LIF and SPC-HIF groups were significantly different to that of the CAS group (p ≤ 0.005). Alpha-diversity did not differ between any of the groups.ConclusionTaken together, dietary soy protein can reverse liver steatosis in adult Zucker rats, and the reversal of steatosis is accompanied by alterations in gut microbial composition.

Barriers in translating existing nutrigenetics insights to precision nutrition for cardiometabolic health in ethnically diverse populations.

Cardiometabolic diseases pose a significant threat to global public health, with a substantial majority of cardiovascular disease mortality (more than three-quarters) occurring in low- and middle-income countries. There have been remarkable advances in recent years in identifying genetic variants that alter disease susceptibility by interacting with dietary factors. Despite the remarkable progress, several factors need to be considered before the translation of nutrigenetics insights to personalised and precision nutrition in ethnically diverse populations. Some of these factors include variations in genetic predispositions, cultural and lifestyle factors as well as socioeconomic factors. This review aims to explore the factors that need to be considered in bridging the gap between existing nutrigenetics insights and the implementation of personalised and precision nutrition across diverse ethnicities. Several factors might influence variations among individuals with regards to dietary exposures and metabolic responses and these include genetic diversity, cultural and lifestyle factors as well as socioeconomic factors. A multi-omics approach involving disciplines such as metabolomics, epigenetics and the gut microbiome might contribute to improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gene-diet interactions and the implementation of precision nutrition although more research is needed to confirm the practicality and effectiveness of this approach. Conducting gene-diet interaction studies in diverse populations is essential and studies utilising large sample sizes are required as this improves the power to detect interactions with minimal effect sizes. Future studies should focus on replicating initial findings to enhance reliability and promote comparison across studies. Once findings have been replicated in independent samples, dietary intervention studies will be required to further strengthen the evidence and facilitate their application in clinical practice. Nutrigenetics has a potential role to play in the prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases. Conducting gene-diet interaction studies in diverse populations is essential giving the genetic diversity and variations in dietary patterns. Integrating data from disciplines such as metabolomics, epigenetics and the gut microbiome could help in early identification of individuals at risk of cardiometabolic diseases as well as the implementation of precise dietary interventions for preventing and managing cardiometabolic diseases.

Gestational diabetes and pregnancy outcome in Kurdish, Somali and general population in Finland

Abstract Gestational diabetes (GDM) increases the risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular morbidity later in life but GDM incidence in women from different cultural backgrounds varies. This study aims to examine treatment of GDM and pregnancy outcomes in Somali, Kurdish and general population women. Patient data of 312 Kurdish, 254 Somali and 508 general population women was collected from Turku University Hospital records from 2008 to 2019. The general population was selected by randomization with matching year, BMI, age, and parity. Singleton deliveries after 34th gestational week with no prior diabetes mellitus were included. Descriptive and comparison analyses (SPSS, version 29.0) were used to identify associations between ethnic background and pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. The incidence of GDM was 22 % (CI 95 % 17-27) in Somali, 36 % (CI 95 % 31-42) in Kurdish, and 16 % (CI 95 % 13-19) in the general population women. Kurdish women had medication for GDM more often (43 % CI 95 % 34-53) than the Somali (22 % CI 95 % 11-33) and general population women (18 % CI 95 % 9-26). Metformin was more commonly used among Kurdish (30 % CI 95 % 22-39) compared to the general population (12 % CI 95 % 4-18) and Somali women (13 % CI 95 % 4-22). There was no difference in insulin or combined metformin and insulin treatment between the groups. In GDM group, vaginal deliveries were more common in general population (89 % CI % 81-95) than in Somali women (67 % CI % 64-81). Induction of labour (indication GDM or other) and instrumental vaginal delivery rates were similar between the groups. Newborns of all Somali women had a lower weight (SD -0.3 CI 95 % -0.7 - -0.2) compared to the general population (SD 0 CI 95 % -0.1 - 0.3). The prevalence of GDM was increased and dietary treatment decreased in Kurdish women compared to the general population in Finland. In the future, the treatment of GDM should be adjusted to better optimize the care for different cultural background women. Key messages • Kurdish women have increased incidence of GDM and less dietary treatment compared to the general population with similar risk factors. The pregnancy outcomes remain good in all groups. • With Somali women, the birth weight of the child is lower despite GDM status. This might direct clinicians to underestimate the effect of GDM when considering individual treatment.

Development of Prediction Equations for Digestible and Metabolizable Energy in 15 Cereal Processing By-Products Fed to Growing Pigs

The study was conducted to determine the nutrient digestibility and digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of 15 cereal processing by-products and to develop prediction equations for DE and ME based on the chemical composition in growing pigs. A total of 36 crossbred pigs were chosen and divided into three blocks according to a three 12 × 3 Youdin square experimental design. Twelve pigs in each block were allocated into six diets including a basal diet and five test diets. The feeding experiment included three periods, and each dietary treatment contained six replicates. Each period lasted 12 days, including 7 d of dietary adaption and 5 d of total feces and urine collection. The results showed that the coefficients of variation for EE, NDF, ADF, CP, and GE among 15 cereal processing by-products were 86.78%, 49.82%, 51.14%, 14.95%, and 6.26%, respectively. There were significant differences in DE, ME, and ME/DE (DM basis) among 15 cereal processing by-products (p &lt; 0.05), ranging from 11.55 MJ/kg to 17.64 MJ/kg, from 10.90 MJ/kg to 17.40 MJ/kg, and from 89.41% to 98.63%, respectively. The digestibility of GE, DM, NDF, ADF, and CP showed a significant difference among 15 cereal processing by-products (p &lt; 0.05). The DE and ME contents showed a negative correlation to NDF and ADF (p &lt; 0.05), and the prediction equations for DE and ME (as-fed basis) were DE (MJ/kg) = −0.4597 × ADF (%) + 0.5988 × GE (MJ/kg) + 6.0138 (R2 = 0.74; p &lt; 0.05) and ME (MJ/kg) = 1.0440 × DE (MJ/kg) − 1.1235 (R2 = 0.98; p &lt; 0.05). On a DM basis, the optimal prediction equations for DE and ME were DE (MJ/kg DM) = −0.1451 × NDF (%) + 0.3026 × CP (%) + 13.8595 (R2 = 0.72; p &lt; 0.05) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = 1.1155 × DE (MJ/kg DM) + 0.0363 × ADF (%) − 2.3412 (R2 = 0.99; p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, there were large variations in the chemical composition, nutrients digestibility, and available energy among the 15 different samples of cereal processing by-products. It is reasonable to develop prediction equations for DE and ME based on the chemical composition of cereal by-products for growing pigs.

Hydrolyzed protein formula improves the nutritional tolerance by increasing intestinal development and altering cecal microbiota in low-birth-weight piglets

BackgroundPrematurity or low birth weight (LBW), poses a significant challenge in global health. Exploring appropriate and effective nutritional interventions is crucial for the growth and development of LBW infants. Hydrolyzed protein formula has been suggested as a potential solution to prevent intestinal dysfunction and improve digestion and absorption in infants.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the benefits of hydrolyzed protein formula on feeding intolerance, intestinal morphological development, and microbiota in a LBW piglet model.MethodsA total of 24 male piglets (3 d of age, 0.95–1.25 kg average BW) were assigned (8 pens/diet; 1 pigs/pen) into three dietary treatments and fed with a basic formula (BF), standard premature infant formula (SF) and hydrolyzed protein formula (HF) respectively, for 7 d. After the piglets sacrifice, growth performance, amino acid metabolism and intestinal morphology were assessed. 16S rRNA sequencing and microbial metabolic phenotypes analyzed the effects of different formula treatments on intestinal flora structure of LBW piglets.ResultsThe HF diet reduced the rates of diarrhea and milk vomiting were reduced by 20.44% (p &amp;gt; 0.05) and 58.44% (p &amp;gt; 0.05), and decreased the crypt depth in the ileum while increasing the ratio of villus height/crypt depth and the mRNA expressions of y+LAT1 and b0,+AT in the ileum (p &amp;lt; 0.05). HF increased the final body weight, serum Thr and essential amino acid contents, and CAT2 and b0,+AT mRNA expressions in ileal mucosa compared with the SF diet (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Microbiota sequencing results showed that the colonic microbial richness indices (Chao1, ACE, and observed species), the diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson), and the phyla Actinobacteriota, unidentified_Bacteria, Acidobacteriota and Actinobacteria, the genus Rubrobacter and RB41 were reduced (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in SF and HF groups. Microbial metabolic phenotypes analysis showed a reduction in the richness of biofilm-forming bacteria (p &amp;lt; 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, hydrolyzed protein formula had better nutrition and tolerance in LBW suckling piglets by improving amino acid transport and intestinal development, and regulating gut microbial communities.

Effects of calcium pidolate on performance, carcass traits, bone biomechanical properties and mineralisation and jejunum histomorphology in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary calcium pidolate (CalP) on performance, slaughtering characteristics, bone biomechanical properties, mineralisation and jejunum histomorphology in male broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly assigned to one of four treatments as five pen replicates, each containing 10 chicks. The basal diet without CalP was formulated to supply the nutritional needs of broilers and the treatment diets contained 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 g/kg CalP, with limestone meeting the remaining calcium requirement. 2. The addition of CalP had a quadratic effect on performance (P < 0.05) and the best performance was achieved in the group that included CalP at a dose of 0.45 g/kg but 0.60 g/kg level worsened performance. Supplementing with CalP linearly decreased carcass yield (P < 0.01) and relative breast weight (P ≤ 0.05) but the relative thigh weight increased quadratically (P < 0.05) and reached a maximum at 0.45 g/kg. 3. Tibia shear force and stress linearly increased with the use of CalP in the diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation had a quadratic effect on tibial calcium (P < 0.01), reaching a maximum at 0.30 g/kg, although tibial phosphorus levels decreased linearly (P < 0.01). 4. The effect of CalP on jejunum histomorphology fluctuated and, compared to the unsupplemented control group, the villus height/crypt depth ratio increased, while the other variables decreased (P < 0.05). Decrease in crypt depth with the addition of CalP was significant (P < 0.05). 5. Using Ca-pidolate at a rate of 0.45 g/kg in broiler diets is sufficient to increase performance and tibia strength but 0.60 g/kg level negatively affected performance. In addition, the results of jejunum histomorphology were variable, but the crypt depth decreased with CalP levels and this is an important effect. However, further research is needed to detail the effect of CalP on broilers.

Current Status of Diabetes Prevention and Control in China and Early-Stage Intervention Strategies

In recent years, the prevalence of diabetes in China has continued to rise, with the adult prevalence expected to reach 12.8% by 2023. To control this trend, the government has introduced several policies and invested substantial funds in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, achieving certain results. Prediabetes is a stage where blood glucose metabolism can still be restored. For individuals in this stage, dietary and exercise intervention programs are recommended to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, improve quality of life, and reduce the burden of disease on individuals, families, and society.