Dietary Treatments Research Articles

Effects of dietary Pleurotus geesteranus stem supplementation on growth performance, anti-inflammation activity, intestinal function, and meat quality in pigs

The study evaluated the effects of Pleurotus geesteranus stem (PGS), an agricultural waste rich in bioactive components, on pig growth, antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory responses, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, fecal microbiota, intestinal function, and meat quality across different stages. In Exp. 1, 108 weaned piglets (7.80 ± 0.41 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: control (basal diet), 1.5% PGS, and 3% PGS. In Exp. 2, 108 growing-finishing pigs (76.97 ± 5.91 kg) were subjected to the same treatments. Results showed that diets supplemented with PGS increased the average daily gain (ADG) (P<0.05) and fecal total SCFA contents (P<0.05) of piglets. PGS supplementation reduced serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) content (P<0.05) and fecal Escherichia coli counts (P<0.05) in piglets. The PGS addition could enhance ileal mucosal mucin 1 and mucin 2 expression (P<0.05), decrease drip loss (P<0.05), and increase pH45min value (P<0.05) of longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM), and down-regulate ACC expression (P<0.05) in LDM of growing-finishing pigs. Overall, PGS supplementation positively influenced growth performance, inflammation control, SCFA production, intestinal health, and meat quality.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of College Students’ Diet, Mental Health, and Hindrances to Healthy Lifestyles

Objective: To determine whether dietary intake and restrictions on diet are correlated with sleep, academic achievement, and/or mental health in a college population. Methods: We used Qualtrics to survey a large public university in the Northeast for Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Fall 2023 academic semesters (n = 98;104;90) for campus demographics, diet quality, dietary restrictions, food insecurity, sleep quality and quantity, stress (PSS), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and academic success (GPA). We performed Spearman rho and Pearson r analyses (IBM SPSS, alpha = 0.05). Results: Diet quality correlated positively with GPA (Rho = 0.265, P < 0.05), dietary restrictions (Rho = 0.498, P < 0.05), and sleep hours (r = 0.284, P < 0.05), but negatively with anxiety (Rho = −0.300, P < 0.01), stress (r = −0.225, P < 0.05), and depression (r = −0.434, P < 0.05). Food insecurity correlated positively with anxiety (Rho = 0.488, P < 0.001), stress (r = 0.557, P < 0.001), and depression (r = 0.489, P < 0.001), but negatively with GPA (Rho = −0.390, P < 0.05). Sleep quality correlated negatively with stress (r = −0.269, P = 0.008), depression (r = −0.350, P < 0.001), and anxiety (Rho = −0.248, P = 0.014). Conclusions: Correlations among diet, food insecurity, dietary restrictions, sleep, and mental health metrics suggest that improvements in diet benefit students’ lifestyles. However, more restrictive diets do not appear to be deleterious, implying a reduced need for dietary interventions in this population.

Effective dietary interventions during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of behavior change techniques to promote healthy eating

Improving dietary intake during pregnancy can mitigate adverse consequences for women and their children. The effective techniques and features for supporting and sustaining dietary change during pregnancy and postpartum are minimally reported. The primary aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to summarise the effectiveness of dietary interventions for pregnant woman, identify which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and intervention features were most frequently used and determine which were most effective at improving dietary intake. Six databases were searched to identify randomised control trials (RCTs) reporting on dietary intake in pregnant women over the age of sixteen, with an active intervention group compared to a control group receiving usual care or less intensive interventions. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 1 was used to assess study validity. BCTs were coded by two authors using Michie et al.’s BCT taxonomy V1. A random effect model assessed intervention effects on indices of dietary quality and food groups (fruit, vegetables, grains and cereals, meat, and dairy) in relation to the use of BCTs and intervention features. Thirty- seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. High heterogeneity was observed across intervention characteristics and measures of fidelity. Only half of the available BCTs were used, with eleven used once. The BCT category Reward and threat was successful in improving dietary quality and vegetable intake, whilst 'Action planning’ (1.4) from the category Goals and planning significantly improved dietary quality. Interventions delivered by a nutrition professional and those that included group sessions improved dietary quality more than those delivered by other health professionals, research staff, or application-delivered interventions and delivered via other modalities. Future dietary interventions during pregnancy should incorporate and report on BCTs used in the intervention. Successful design elements for improving antenatal dietary intake may include multimodal interventions delivered by nutrition professionals and the use of Rewards and Goal setting.

Effects of Feeding Methionine Hydroxyl Analogue Chelated Zinc, Copper, and Manganese on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Mineral Excretion, and Welfare Conditions of Broiler Chickens: Part 2: Sustainability and Welfare Aspects

This study investigated the effects of the dietary supplementation of mineral methionine hydroxyl analogue chelates (MMHACs) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on excreta nitrogen and mineral levels, housing conditions, and the welfare status of broilers. Three-hundred eighty-four day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each consisting of eight replicate pens of twelve birds per pen. The treatments were (1) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO4 (110 ppm), CuSO4 (16 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (ITM); (2) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (10 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M10); (3) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO4 (110 ppm), tribasic copper chloride (125 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (T125); and (4) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (30 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M30). Three feeding phases including the starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–21), and finisher (days 21–42) were used. The findings showed that birds offered MMHACs at both levels had significantly lower Zn and Mn levels, and birds offered the T125 diet had higher Cu levels in the excreta compared to those fed the other diets on days 10, 16, 21, 28, and 42 (p < 0.001). The life cycle assessment showed that MMHAC supplementation at 30 ppm can be expected to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry in terms of reduced emissions into the environment, whereas excreta nitrogen and moisture content, litter conditions, levels of air gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane), and welfare indicators were similar between the dietary treatments. Hence, the supplementation of MMHACs to broiler diets at 30 ppm could maintain litter quality and welfare status while reducing emissions into the environment and the Zn, Mn, and/or Cu excretion of broilers, therefore reducing the environmental impacts of broiler production.

Effects of Feeding Methionine Hydroxyl Analogue Chelated Zinc, Copper, and Manganese on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Mineral Excretion and Welfare Conditions of Broiler Chickens: Part 1: Performance Aspects

This floor pen study explored the effects of feeding mineral methionine hydroxyl analogue chelates (MMHACs) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on growth performance, carcass processing weight and quality, nutrient digestibility, gizzard erosion score, and bone parameters of broilers. One-day-old Ross 308 male chicks (n = 384) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment and 12 birds per pen. The treatments were as follows: (1) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO4 110 ppm, CuSO4 16 ppm, MnO 120 ppm (ITM); (2) MMHAC Zn 40 ppm, Cu 10 ppm, Mn 40 ppm (M10); (3) Inorganic trace mineral ZnSO4 110 ppm, tribasic copper chloride 125 ppm, MnO 120 ppm (T125); (4) MMHAC Zn 40 ppm, Cu 30 ppm, Mn 40 ppm (M30). The birds were fed nutritionally complete wheat sorghum soybean meal-based diets from days 0 to 42 with three feeding phases including starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–21), and finisher (days 21–42). The findings revealed that birds on the T125, M10, and M30 groups possibly had higher feed intake (p = 0.052) and higher weight gain (p < 0.063) than birds on the ITM group from days 0 to 42. Furthermore, birds fed the M30 diet had higher thigh and drumstick weights compared to those fed the ITM diet at day 42 (p = 0.05). Additionally, birds offered the M30 diet had increased ileal Cu digestibility compared to birds offered the M10 and ITM diets at day 21 (p = 0.006). Gizzard erosion scores and bone parameters were similar between the dietary treatments. Hence, the supplementation of MMHACs to broiler diets at 30 ppm may be a more suitable strategy to increase weight gain and the thigh and drumstick processing weight while maintaining the bone health of broiler chickens.

Differential effects of dietary and physical activity interventions on adiposity of children with obesity.

Managing obesity in children remains challenging. In addition to body mass index (BMI), incorporating body composition into evaluations of post-obesity interventions would help assess changes in adiposity. This study aimed to identify the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and changes in BMI z-scores and adiposity among children with obesity. Children aged 7-15 years with obesity received monthly dietary and physical activity instructions for 6 months. Three-day dietary records and physical activity questionnaires were collected at 0, 3, and 6 months. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. These relationships were analyzed using uni- and multivariate linear regression analyses. A total of 155 children with obesity completed the 6-month study. A higher total protein intake per ideal weight for height was significantly correlated with a decrease in BMI z-score and trunk fat mass index (trunk fat mass [FM] in kg/height in m2). Mean dietary fiber intake was negatively correlated with BMI z-score, FM, FM index (FMI, FM in kg/height in m2), and visceral fat area (VFA) at 6 months. Each 1 g/kg/day increase in protein intake and additional 1 g/day of dietary fiber intake led to a 0.191 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.309 to -0.072) and 0.028 kg/m2 (-0.05 to -0.005) reduction in BMI z-score. Each 1 g/day increase in protein intake led to a reduction of 0.009 kg/m² in trunk FMI (-0.016 to -0.002) and 0.21 cm² in VFA (-0.418 to -0.002). The outcomes observed at 6 months were consistent with the overall 6-month findings, reinforcing the efficacy of the intervention. Our study showed beneficial effects of high dietary protein and fiber intakes on BMI z-scores and adiposity of children with obesity. Fine-tuning dietary interventions that emphasize appropriate protein and fiber intakes may be more practical for managing childhood obesity.

Editorial: The role of dietary interventions in the regulation of host-microbe interactions, volume II

Editorial: The role of dietary interventions in the regulation of host-microbe interactions, volume II

Short-term caloric restriction or resveratrol supplementation alters large-scale brain network connectivity in male and female rats

IntroductionDietary interventions such as caloric restriction (CR) exert positive effects on brain health. Unfortunately, poor compliance hinders the success of this approach. A proposed alternative is resveratrol (Rsv), a CR-mimetic known to promote brain health. Direct comparison between the effects of Rsv and CR on brain health is lacking, with limited knowledge on their sex-specific effects. Therefore, we aimed to compare and unravel the sex-specific impact of these dietary interventions on spontaneous brain activity.MethodsHere, we used resting-state fMRI to investigate functional connectivity (FC) changes in five prominent resting-state brain networks (RSNs) in healthy 4 month old male and female F344 rats supplemented to either 40% CR or daily Rsv supplementation (10 mg/kg, oral) for the duration of 1 month.ResultsOur results demonstrated a decreased body weight (BW) in CR rats, as well as an increase in body weight in male Rsv supplemented rats, compared to female Rsv supplemented rats, whereas this difference between sexes was not observed in the control or CR groups. Furthermore, we found that both CR or Rsv supplementation induce a female-specific decrease of FC between the subcortical network and hippocampal network, and between the subcortical network and lateral cortical network. Moreover, Rsv supplementation lowered FC within the hippocampal network and between the hippocampal and the default mode like network, the lateral cortical network and the sensory network—an effect not observed for the CR rats.DiscussionOur findings reveal that both CR and Rsv induce a similar female-specific decrease of FC in RSNs associated with memory and emotion, all the while CR and Rsv induce dissimilar changes in body weight and other within- and between-RSN FC measures. Altogether, this study provides insight into the effects and comparability of short-term CR and Rsv supplementation on brain connectivity within- and between-RSNs in both male and female F344 rats, providing a FC reference for future research of dietary effects.

Assessment of Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Purple Sweet Potato Color (PSPC) and Myo-Inositol (MI) Treatment for Motor Related and Behavioral Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of Classic Galactosemia.

Classic galactosemia (CG) is a rare inherited metabolic disease caused by mutations in the GALT gene encoding the enzyme galactose-1 phosphate uridylyltransferase in galactose metabolism. The condition develops as a potentially fatal illness during the newborn period, but its acute clinical manifestations can be alleviated through a galactose restricted diet. Nonetheless, such dietary intervention is inadequate in preventing significant long-term consequences, including neurological impairments, growth restriction, cognitive delays, and, for most females, primary ovarian insufficiency. At present, no effective therapy exists to stop the progression of these complications, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment approaches to be developed. Supplements have been used in the treatment of other inborn errors of metabolism; however, they are not typically included in the clinical therapeutic regimen for CG. Recently, our research team has demonstrated that two generally recognized as safe supplements (purple weet potato color, PSPC and myo-inositol, MI) have been effective in partially restoring functions in the ovaries of our GalT-KO mouse model. However, the toxicological profile of both PSPC and MI has not been determined. In this study, we investigated the acute (30 days) and chronic (180 days) oral toxicities of PSPC and MI both in WT control and GalT-KO mice. Furthermore, our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oral feeding of PSPC and MI in correcting motor-related and behavioral phenotypes in GalT-KO mice. The long-term treatment of MI at a lower dose demonstrated promising improvements in motor deficit and anxiety driven hyperactivity in the mutant mice.

Body Shape Variation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar, L.) Fed Fishmeal and Fish Oil-Free Diets

Post-smolt Atlantic salmon were fed control (C), plant protein- (PP), and animal protein (AP)-based diets over a 90-day period. At trial start, the outline shape variation in the salmon body was recorded using two-dimensional Cartesian coordinates of a combination of 12 landmarks (LM) and three semi-landmarks from each of the 48 fish. The identical landmarks were then assessed at trial end for the differing dietary treatments. These datasets were used to determine whether diet exerted a measurable effect on body shape to enable authentication of fishmeal/fish oil-free status. Most differences in shape at trial end were visualized at the base of the dorsal and pelvic fins and caudal peduncle. The greatest shape variation between PP and AP groups was found at the base of the pectoral and pelvic fins. While PP and AP groups were more similar in shape than control fish, the recorded differences were not significant enough to verify dietary origins. The number of animals employed and the length of the trial period were likely insufficient to distinguish alterations in body shape with any certainty. Future trials should employ larger numbers of animals and be of longer length to verify whether PP-based feeds cause changes in body shape.

Nutrition Interventions in the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Scoping Review.

Pain, poor quality of life (QOL) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are commonly experienced by individuals with endometriosis. Although diet and nutrition supplements are frequently used to manage endometriosis-related symptoms, there is limited understanding of the breadth and quality of research in this field. Our aim was to undertake a scoping review of diet and nutrition supplement intervention studies in people with endometriosis, diagnosed by ultrasound or surgery. MEDLINE Complete, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published in English from database inception to November 2024. Quality was assessed by two reviewers independently using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. In total, 5130 publications were screened and 13 were included. Among these, five evaluated the effect of diet intervention, one evaluated the effect of a combined diet-supplement intervention and seven evaluated the effect of a nutrition supplement in endometriosis. Overall, there were seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 1 diet intervention, n = 6 nutrition supplement), two nonrandomised controlled studies (n = 1 diet intervention, n = 1 combined diet-supplement) and four uncontrolled studies (n = 3 diet intervention, n = 1 nutrition supplement). On the basis of evidence from the RCTs, the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet improved QOL and GI symptoms, whereas garlic supplements and combination trace element supplements may be beneficial for improving reduced pain symptoms related to endometriosis. The quality of most included studies was poor. Adherence to the interventions was only measured in five studies and only one diet study measured baseline diet. High-quality RCTs of diet and nutrition supplement interventions are needed to progress the understanding of whether they should be integrated into the clinical management of endometriosis.

Molecular responses in the intestine of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) following light and diet stimulation of smoltification: Potential molecular markers for a seawater-ready smolt

The transfer to seawater (SW) represents a critical stage in the production of Atlantic salmon. The success of the transfer links with the optimal development of hypo-osmoregulatory capacities during smoltification. While various strategies are adopted in aquaculture to stimulate smoltification, considerable fish loss still occurs after transfer to sea cages. Therefore, we investigated the molecular responses in the anterior and posterior intestine of Atlantic salmon, following 1) a photoperiod treatment (24 h light (L):0 h dark (D) → 24 L:0D vs. 7 L:17D → 24 L:0D) and 2) dietary treatment (regular feed or feed enriched with a salt mix/tryptophan), combined with, or without a photoperiodic treatment in freshwater (FW), to evaluate how intestinal osmoregulatory mechanisms are modulated by these treatments, and to identify potential intestinal markers indicative of a SW-ready smolt. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), we investigated transcript levels of transporters and channels involved in ion movements through the enterocytes, tight junction components, and receptors (i.e., calcium-sensing receptor and prolactin receptor). The two intestinal regions showed different gene profiles and responsiveness towards the experimental treatments. In the anterior intestine, the exposure to short photoperiod (7 L:17D) upregulated Na+/K+ − ATPase subunit alpha 1c (nkaα1c), Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter 1 (nkcc1), Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter 2 (nkcc2), Cl−/HCO3− exchanger Slc26a6 (slc26a6), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator I (cftrI), in FW and SW. Also, Na+/K+ − ATPase subunit alpha 1b (nkaα1b), occludin (ocln), and prolactin receptor (prlr) were upregulated in FW and claudin 15 (cldn15) in SW groups exposed to this photoperiod. The posterior intestine was less responsive to the experimental treatments, although upregulation of nkcc1, nkcc2, slc26a6, and cftrI was observed in FW in the short photoperiod groups. Hence, our findings show that exposure to a winter signal in FW more effectively activates hypo-osmoregulatory mechanisms in the intestine of Atlantic salmon, where a coordinated and complementary role of the anterior and posterior intestine ensures optimal SW processing. Dietary treatment had a positive but more marginal effect on the regulation of the genes investigated, mainly enhancing the impact of short photoperiod when the two treatments were combined. Overall, we propose the apical Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter, nkcc2, and the apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger, slc26a6, as potential FW molecular markers in the anterior intestine to assess “SW-readiness” in Atlantic salmon smolts.

The interplay of gut microbiota and heavy metals in multiple sclerosis patients.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the concentration of heavy metals was measured in stool samples of MS patients by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) method and compared with healthy people. Also, another goal of this study is to investigate the alteration of the gut microbiome of MS patients by metagenomics technique based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The IL-10 ELISA assay showed no significant differences between the serum level of the IL-10 in the patients and the control group (p=0.510). Heavy metal measurement by ICP-MS showed significantly higher levels of arsenic (As, Mean=32.77μg/kg), nickel (Ni, Mean=7.154μg/kg), manganese (Mn, Mean=3723μg/kg), and zinc (Zn, Mean=5508μg/kg) in the stool samples of the MS group compared to the control group, while concentrations of iron (Fe, Mean=9585μg/kg), lead (Pb, Mean=18.54μg/kg), titanium (Ti, Mean=69.69μg/kg), and tin (Sn, Mean=13.92μg/kg) were significantly lower. The result of gut microbiome analysis showed an increase in the abundance of the Verrumicrobiaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families was considerably increased in MS patients compared to the control group (p<0.05). This study reports that high levels of heavy metals such as Ars, Ni, Mn, and Zn, deficiency of Fe, Pb, Ti, and Sn, and alteration of the gut microbiome are involved in the pathogenesis of MS. The novelty of this study lies in its multi-faceted approach to understanding MS by integrating the measurement of heavy metals in stool samples with the analysis of gut microbiome alterations, thereby providing comprehensive insights into heavy metals, the gut microbiome, and potential therapeutic avenues. This study suggests several potential applications and practical implications based on its findings regarding heavy metals, gut microbiome alterations, and IL-10 levels in MS. First, the identification of elevated levels of specific heavy metals and deficiencies in others may lead to targeted screening and monitoring, informing preventive strategies for MS patients. Additionally, the observed gut microbiome changes could facilitate the development of microbiome-based therapies, such as probiotics or dietary interventions, aimed at restoring microbial balance. Finally, exploring the interplay between heavy metals, gut microbiome, and immune response may guide the creation of novel therapeutic interventions, ultimately enhancing treatment efficacy and providing new avenues for managing MS, thereby alleviating the burden of this chronic condition.

Digital dietary interventions for healthy adolescents: A systematic review of behavior change techniques, engagement strategies, and adherence.

Adolescence is a crucial phase for developing healthy eating habits with lifelong health implications. Digital interventions, such as smartphone apps and web platforms, have emerged as promising strategies to promote healthy eating habits among adolescents by using behavior change techniques (BCTs). This study aims to systematically review internet-based dietary interventions targeting adolescents, focusing on the analysis of BCTs employed, their delivery modes, and their impact on adolescents' adherence and engagement. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used up to July 2024. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials involving adolescents aged 12 to 18. The interventions analyzed involved smartphone apps and web platforms promoting changes in eating habits, with results focusing on adherence and techniques used. The initial search identified 5399 articles, of which 16 studies were included in the final analysis. The studies involved a total of 31,971 participants (range: 29-7890), with 40.29% being female (n=12,881), aged 12-18 years. The duration of interventions ranged from two weeks up to 12 months, with follow-ups of up to 24 months. Interventions that utilized BCTs such as goal setting (n=14), feedback on behavior (n=14), social support (n=14), prompts/cues (n=13), and self-monitoring (n=12), were the most effective in promoting adherence and engagement. Digital dietary interventions that incorporated personalized feedback (n=9) and gamification (n=1) showed adherence rates between 63% and 85.5%, with notable improvements in dietary habits, such as increased fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. However, the intervention using gamification involved only 36 participants, and its effects require further investigation due to the limited sample size. Digital interventions show potential for promoting healthy dietary behaviors among adolescents, yet mixed outcomes underscore the challenges of maintaining adherence and long-term engagement. Techniques such as self-monitoring, goal setting, and social support can enhance engagement and effectiveness, particularly when combined with gamified features. The trial protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024564261).

Effects of fermented and fiber-rich foods on maternal & offspring microbiome study (FeFiFo-MOMS) - Study design and methods.

Recent research underscores the crucial role of the gut microbiota in human health, particularly during states of altered homeostasis, including pregnancy. Additionally, it is not well understood how dietary changes during pregnancy affect the development of microbiomes of both mother and child. Here, we describe the study design and methods for our randomized controlled trial, the fermented and fiber-rich foods on maternal and offspring microbiome study (FeFiFo-MOMS). We enrolled 135 women during early pregnancy, randomizing them to one of four diet arms: increased fiber, increased fermented foods, increase in both, and no dietary intervention as a comparator arm. Samples were collected across pregnancy continuing to 18 months post-birth for clinical, microbiome, and immune marker analysis. Our trial design intended to investigate the effects of dietary interventions-specifically, increased intake of high-fiber and fermented foods-on maternal gut microbiota diversity and its subsequent transmission to infants. The FeFiFo-MOMS trial was designed to provide valuable insights into the modifiable dietary factors that could influence maternal and infant health through microbiota-mediated mechanisms and examine the broader implications of diet on pregnant mothers' and infants' health and disease. govID:NCT05123612.

The Role of Lifestyle in the Prevention and Treatment of Insulin Resistance: A Review of Clinical and Intervention Studies

Introduction Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder characterized by reduced tissue sensitivity to insulin, resulting in impaired glucose homeostasis. IR plays a pivotal role in the development of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and associated cardiovascular complications. Effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of IR focus on lifestyle modification, including physical activity and stress management. Aim of the Study The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance (IR) based on the analysis of clinical and interventional studies, with a particular focus on dietary interventions, physical activity programs, stress reduction techniques, and sleep quality improvement recommendations. Materials and Methods A review of clinical and interventional studies was conducted using databases such as PubMed. The analysis included studies evaluating the impact of specific lifestyle interventions on markers of insulin resistance (IR), such as fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR indices and glucose tolerance. Particular attention was paid to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses published between 2020 and 2024. Summary Studies have shown that diets such as the Mediterranean and DASH, combined with regular aerobic and resistance exercises, significantly improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and yoga, along with adequate sleep quality, enhance positive metabolic effects. These findings highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to treating insulin resistance, incorporating dietary and behavioral changes. The review also points out research gaps and emphasizes the necessity of long-term studies to refine lifestyle recommendations for diverse populations

Modulatory effect of Echium plantagineum oil on the n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity of chicken (Gallus gallus).

Poultry can be a sustainable source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) through the bioconversion of dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3). However, this process is currently limited by the high n-6/n-3 ratio in poultry diets affecting the competition between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) for the same biosynthetic enzymes, and the rate-limiting Δ6 desaturase which act at both, the first and final steps of DHA synthesis pathway. Echium plantagineum oil (EO) is an unusual source of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) which bypasses the first Δ6 desaturase step potentially increasing n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) synthesis. To explore this hypothesis, 60 Canarian male chickens at 18 weeks of age were divided into three groups and fed diets differing only in their FA formulation: soy oil (SO) rich in linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6); linseed oil (LO) rich in ALA; and EO, a balanced LA/ALA oil also rich in SDA and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6). The dietary treatments did not affect the total lipid (TL) content (p>0.05) and did not substantially vary the lipid class (LC) profiles in the brain, liver, intestine, and muscle tissues. However, the inclusion of LO and EO equally increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels in the brain, liver, and intestine compared to animals fed with SO (p<0.05). Moreover, EO increased hepatic relative expressions of the fatty acid elongases (elovl2 and elovl5). Consequently, and in alignment with our hypothesis, EO was more effective than LO in enriching chicken thigh meat with n-3 LC-PUFA (6.0 vs 4.2%; p<0.05). We concluded that lowering the dietary LA/ALA ratio and increasing the SDA content in poultry diets enhance the potential of chicken metabolism for enriching poultry products with n-3 LC-PUFA. Emerging evidence suggest that local plants like those including in Echium genus, rich in SDA and with a balanced LA/ALA ratio, could offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional ALA sources in poultry production.

Effects of peroxidized soybean oil on growth and energy digestibility in broilers.

Peroxidized lipids have been shown to reduce broiler performance whereupon it was theorized that dietary peroxide value (PV) plus anisidine value (AnV) may be predictive of broiler performance. In experiment (EXP) 1, 64 pens (8 broilers/pen) were fed diets containing 8 levels of peroxidized soybean oil (SO). Broilers were fed diets from 7 to 35 d of age with 8 replications per dietary treatment. Broilers fed diets containing SO processed at 135°C resulted in a reduction in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, P ≤ 0.05) compared to birds fed diets containing the unheated SO while birds fed diets containing SO processed at 90°C resulted in a reduction in gain to feed (GF, P ≤ 0.05) compared to birds fed diets containing the unheated SO. Summarization of this data with published data resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.01) regression models for relative ADG [ADG, % = 101.9 - (0.05 × PV) - (0.30 × AnV), SE = 4.1, R2 = 0.43], ADFI [ADFI, % = 101.7 - (0.09 × PV) - (0.19 × AnV), SE = 3.3, R2 = 0.32], and GF [GF, % = 100.4 + (0.05 × PV) - (0.14 × AnV), SE = 2.6, R2 = 0.27], albeit PV was not a significant regression parameter (P ≥ 0.36) for any equation. In EXP 2, the TMEn of four different SO was determined using the precision-fed rooster assay. Diets consisted of ground corn with SO added at 0, 7.5 or 15 % of the diet at the expense of ground corn with 4 roosters per treatment. Relative bioavailability (RBV) was determined using slope-ratio methodology where it was determined that the reduction in the RBV of peroxidized SO ranged from 12 to 29 percent compared to the unheated SO sample. These data suggests that bird performance relative to birds consuming unperoxidized lipids can be predicted based on dietary levels of PV and AnV, although the slopes for performance decline are relatively flat with the combination of PV and AnV accounting for 27 to 43 % of the response variable variance.

Using direct method to estimate calcium digestibility of barley and soybean meal in quail chicks.

The availability of calcium (Ca) in poultry diets is influenced by various factors, such as the feed ingredients used. This study assessed the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Ca in barley and soybean meal (SBM) in young quail chicks using a direct method. Three diets were formulated, including a Ca-free basal diet to evaluate ileal endogenous calcium losses (IECaL), and two diets with barley or SBM as the sole Ca sources. Titanium dioxide was used as an indigestible marker for IECaL measurement. On day 30, 300 male quail chicks were distributed into the three dietary treatments, and ileal digesta samples were collected for Ca content analysis on day 34. Endogenous ileal Ca loss was determined to be 336 ± 52.7 mg/kg of dry matter intake (DMI), providing a reference for calculating SID values. The AID and SID of Ca in barley were found to be 27.9 % and 39.9 %, respectively, and for SBM, these values were 33.1 % and 42.9 %, respectively. These findings offer valuable insights into how to optimize poultry diets to ensure they receive adequate calcium, which is crucial for their overall health and productivity.

Intestinal barrier function, caecal microbiota and growth performance of thermoneutral or heat stressed broiler chickens fed reduced crude protein diets supplemented with guanidinoacetic acid.

The effectiveness of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in reduced protein (RP) diets on performance and gut health of broilers under heat stress is largely unknown. A 35-d experiment was conducted using four dietary treatments: a standard protein diet (SP, 22.1 and 20.7% CP in grower and finisher), a RP diet (20.1 and 18.7% in grower and finisher), a RP diet with 0.092% GAA per kg diet substituting 50% of supplemented arginine (GAA50) at one-to-one ratio and a RP diet with the same amount of GAA added on top (GAAtop). Day-old male Ross 308 chicks were assigned to 64 pens (10 birds each) in two rooms. In each room, each diet was replicated 8 times. From d 25 to 35, birds in one room were subjected to a cyclic heat stress (32±1 °C for 8 h). There was no interaction between diets and heat stress for any of the studied parameters. GAA50 followed by GAAtop significantly decreased the feed intake during the finisher phase (P<0.01) and from d 10 to 35 (P<0.001), compared with SP diet. Heat stress reduced (P<0.0001) feed intake and body weight gain at all stages of the study but did not impact FCR. The GAA50 tended to reduce FCR from d 24 to 35 (P=0.086) and d 10 to 35 (P=0.082) compared with SP and RP. Heat stress increased (P<0.05) intestinal permeability whereas diets had no effect. The gene expression of IL1β was downregulated (P<0.01) by GAA50 but diet had no effect on other selected genes. Heat stress upregulated the expression of several genes including Claudin 2, Claudin 3, GPX-1, HSP70, IL1β, SOD-1 and AMPK-α1. Caecal microbiota composition remained unaffected. The results indicate that replacing 50% of supplemented arginine with GAA tends to improve FCR by reducing the feed intake under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions without any interaction. Supplementation of GAA or two percentage points reduction of dietary protein had no demonstrable effects on parameters of intestinal health.