Weeks Of Dietary Treatment Research Articles

Increased hepatic mitochondrial FA oxidation reduces plasma and liver TG levels and is associated with regulation of UCPs and APOC-III in rats

Hepatic mitochondrial function, APOC-III, and LPL are potential targets for triglyceride (TG)-lowering drugs. After 3 weeks of dietary treatment with the compound 2-(tridec-12-yn-1-ylthio)acetic acid (1-triple TTA), the hepatic mitochondrial FA oxidation increased more than 5-fold in male Wistar rats. Gene expression analysis in liver showed significant downregulation of APOC-III and upregulation of LPL and the VLDL receptor. This led to lower hepatic (53%) and plasma (73%) TG levels. Concomitantly, liver-specific biomarkers related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function (mitochondrial DNA, citrate synthase activity, and cytochrome c and TFAM gene expression) were elevated. Interestingly, 1-triple TTA lowered plasma acetylcarnitine levels, whereas the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate was increased. The hepatic energy state was reduced in 1-triple TTA-treated rats, as reflected by increased AMP/ATP and decreased ATP/ADP ratios, whereas the energy state remained unchanged in muscle and heart. The 1-triple TTA administration induced gene expression of uncoupling protein (UCP)2 and UCP3 in liver. In conclusion, the 1-triple TTA-mediated clearance of blood TG may result from lowered APOC-III production, increased hepatic LPL gene expression, mitochondrial FA oxidation, and (re)uptake of VLDL facilitating drainage of FAs to the liver for β-oxidation and production of ketone bodies as extrahepatic fuel. The possibility that UCP2 and UCP3 mediate a moderate degree of mitochondrial uncoupling should be considered.

Eating glutinous brown rice twice a day for 8 weeks improves glycemic control in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus

Objective:We recently reported that eating glutinous brown rice (GBR) for 1 day improved the whole-day glucose profile and postprandial plasma glucose level compared with eating white rice (WR) or standard brown rice. However, it was unknown whether eating GBR could maintain improvement of glycemic control for a longer period. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of GBR intake for 8 weeks on glycemic control in outpatients with diabetes mellitus.Methods:This was an open-label randomized crossover study in outpatients with type 2 diabetes. Among the 18 subjects registered in this study, 2 were excluded from analysis. After a 1-week observation period while eating WR twice a day, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One group ate GBR as a staple food twice a day for 8 weeks and then switched to WR for the next 8 weeks, while the other group ate WR first and then switched to GBR. A mixed meal tolerance test was performed at baseline and after 8 and 16 weeks of dietary intervention to evaluate plasma glucose and serum C-peptide.Results:None of the subjects failed to complete the study because of disliking the taste of GBR. Hemoglobin A1c (7.5–7.2%, P=0.014) and glycoalbumin (20.4–19.4%, P=0.029) both decreased significantly when the patients were eating GBR. Additionally, the 30-min postprandial plasma glucose level (194–172 mg dl−1, P=0.031) and the incremental area under the concentration vs time curve of serum C-peptide (31.3–22.1 ng min ml−1, P=0.023) during the mixed meal tolerance test were also decreased significantly by intake of GBR. In contrast, there were no changes of glycemic control during the WR period.Conclusions:We confirmed that GBR was well tolerated for 8 weeks and improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract P4-13-03: Changes in the gut microbiome of post-menopausal women 2 weeks after initiating a structured weight loss intervention

Abstract Background Change in the relative composition of the gut microbiome at the phyla level, particularly decreases in Bacteroidetes and increases in Firmicutes species, has been associated with both obesity and increased risk for breast cancer. It is unclear how rapidly the microbiome changes in response to a reduced calorie and fat diet during a weight loss intervention. As a planned sub-study of a clinical trial with a structured behavioral weight loss intervention with randomization to high dose omega-3 fatty acids or placebo (NCT02101970; clinical trials.gov), we evaluated changes in the gut microbiome after 2 weeks of dietary intervention. Methods 46 post-menopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer with a BMI > 27 kg/m2 had a baseline 3 day food record, DXA, and blood and breast tissue sampling for biomarkers. They were then started on a reduced fat and calorie diet (~1200 kcal/day from 2 portion-controlled entrees, 3 low calorie high protein shakes, and 5 servings of fruits/vegetables daily), recommendation to exercise 225 minutes per week, and a weekly behavioral intervention. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, after 2 weeks of diet but prior to study agent, and after 6 months of weight loss intervention. Stool samples were stored at -20°C until brought to the clinic, and then at -80°C until DNA extraction. Bacterial taxonomic classification was performed using real-time PCR and 16S pyrosequencing using specific 16S rRNA primers. Baseline Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was calculated from the 3 day food record; fruit and vegetable servings were obtained from weekly food logs. Results 42 women completed the 6 month weight loss intervention. At baseline, median BMI was 31.0 kg/m2 and HEI was 58 (range 28-90) with 12 and 23 servings of fruits and vegetables per week. Median relative weight loss at 6 months was -11.9 % (0 to -22.7 %). When dichotomized to relative losses of <10% vs >10% (which we have previously shown to be associated with significant improvement in blood and breast tissue risk biomarkers [Fabian Cancer Prev Res 2013]), women with 6 month >10% loss had favorable change in the two major stool phyla at 2 weeks with a median 10% increase for Bacteroidetes and 8% decrease for Firmicutes. Conversely, women with <10% loss showed a decrease (median -11%) in Bacteroidetes and an increase (median 16%) for Firmicutes. Fruit and vegetable consumption also differed between the weight loss groups. The >10% loss group had higher baseline consumption of vegetables and continued this after starting the diet. The more adherent a woman was to dietary recommendations in the first weeks of dietary intervention, the more likely she was to lose >10% weight by 6 months. Conclusions Favorable modulation of the gut microbiome early in a weight loss intervention is associated with subsequent substantial weight loss. Microbiome assessment after 6 months of weight loss intervention is in progress. Supported by a grant from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and pilot funds from National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA168524. Citation Format: Fabian CJ, Kimler BF, Umar S, Ahmed I, Befort CA, Nydegger JL, Kreutzjans AL, Powers KR, Klemp JR, Spaeth KR, Sullivan DK. Changes in the gut microbiome of post-menopausal women 2 weeks after initiating a structured weight loss intervention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-13-03.

Effects of a dietary crude fibre concentrate on growth in weaned piglets

Many fibre sources can help the adaptation of piglets at weaning, improving the growth. In this study, the effects of a dietary crude fibre concentrate (CFC) on piglet’s growth was investigated. From 31 to 51 days of age, 108 weaned piglets (D×(Lw×L)), had access to two isofibrous, isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets, supplemented with 1% of CFC (CFC group) or not (control (CON) group). From days 52 to 64 all piglets received the same starter diet. During the dietary treatment period the CFC group showed higher average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed efficiency (P<0.001) than CON group. At 64 days of age, BW was higher in CFC group compared with CON group (P<0.001). Blood samples were collected at days 31, 38, 45 and 52 of age. From days 31 to 52 significant differences in the somatotropic axis between groups were observed. In particular, growth hormone levels were higher only at the end of the 1st week of dietary treatment (P<0.05) in CFC group animals compared with CON group animals. The IGF-I trend was similar between groups even if the IGF-I levels were higher in the CFC group than CON group 1 week after starting treatment (P<0.01). The IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels were higher in the first 2 weeks of dietary treatment and lower in the 3rd week in CON group compared with CFC group (P<0.01). Specifically, the IGFBP-3 profile was consistent with that of IGF-I in CFC group but not in CON group. At the same time, an increase of leptin in CFC compared with CON group was observed (P<0.05). Piglets fed the CFC diet showed a lower diarrhoea incidence (P<0.05) and a lower number of antibiotic interventions (P<0.05) than CON diet from 31 to 51 days of age. Pig-major acute-phase protein plasma level (P<0.01) and interleukin-6 gene expression (P<0.05) were higher in CON group than CFC group at the end of 1st week of dietary treatment. In conclusion, this study showed that CFC diet influences the hormones related to energy balance enhancing the welfare and growth of piglets. Furthermore, the increase in feed intake during 3 weeks of dietary treatment improved the feed efficiency over the entire post-weaning period.

High Fiber Fat and Protein Contents Lead to Increased Satiety Reduced Sweet Cravings and Decreased Gastrointestinal Symptoms Independently of Anthropometric Hormonal and Metabolic Factors

Background: Satiety and sweet craving are strongly influenced by secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, which are dependent on dietary factors. An Okinawan-based Nordic breakfast with moderately low carbohydrate content and high fat and protein contents has shown increased postprandial satiety, along with improved endocrine and metabolic profile. The primary aim of the study was to estimate the degree of satiety, sweet cravings, and gastrointestinal symptoms, during and after dietary intervention, and to correlate these subjective estimates with anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary aim was to correlate the Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (VAS-IBS) against the HRQoL questionnaire RAND-36. Methods: Thirty type 2 diabetes patients were given the Okinawan-based Nordic diet during 12 weeks. Blood sampling, anthropometric measuring and completion of questionnaires about satiety and sweet cravings, VAS-IBS, and RAND-36 were performed at baseline, after 12 weeks of dietary intervention, and after 16 weeks of follow-up. Results: The satiety was increased after dietary intervention, and sweet craving was decreased, without correlations with any parameters. These changes persisted throughout the study period (p=0.002). At follow-up, satiety was inversely correlated with GIP (p=0.041) and Social Functioning (p=0.044). Sweet craving correlated with leptin levels (p=0.037), weight (p=0.048), BMI (p=0.001), waist circumference (p=0.006), vitality (p=0.046), and less abdominal pain (p=0.034). Psychological improvement was seen during the dietary intervention, and gastrointestinal symptom reduction afterwards, with correlations between the parameters. Conclusions: A diet with moderately low carbohydrate content and high fiber, fat, and protein contents renders an increased satiety and a reduced sweet craving, independently of anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic or psychological factors. Improved psychological well-being and HRQoL preceeds the reports of decreased gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Kuntze protects estrogen-deficient rats against disturbances of energy and glucose metabolism and decreases proinflammatory cytokines.

Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Kuntze (TTK) and JakYakGamCho-Tang (JGT) have been used for improving women's health and treating inflammatory diseases. We determined that the long-term consumption of these herbal extracts alleviates the progression of postmenopausal symptoms in high-fat-diet fed ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and further explored the mechanisms involved. Five groups of OVX rats were fed high fat diets that were supplemented with either 2% dextrin (control), 2% TTK (70% ethanol extract), 2% JGT (water extract), 1% JGT + 1% TTK (JGTT), or 30 µg/kg body weight/day of 17β-estradiol (positive control). After eight weeks of dietary intervention, the herbal treatments did not change the serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol or uterine weight in control rats, but they were higher in the positive-control group. TTK rats exhibited higher daily energy expenditure, particularly fat oxidation, without modifying the energy intake than the controls. TTK lowered the fat mass but lean body mass of the abdomen and leg were increased. JGT decreased periuterine fat mass and lean body mass more than the control but the decrease was not as much as TTK. TTK resulted in substantially lower serum concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, than the control and JGT had lesser effect than TTK. Insulin resistance, determined by homeostasis model assessment estimate for assessing insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin tolerance test, was reduced in the decreasing order of control, JGT, JGTT, and TTK and the HOMA-IR of TTK was similar to the positive control. TTK, but not JGT, enhanced glucose tolerance compared with the control, although the serum insulin levels in TTK were lower compared to the control. Interestingly, the β-cell masses were much greater in the TTK and JGTT groups than in the control, and they were comparable to the positive control. The increases in β-cell masses in TTK and JGTT groups were associated with enhanced β-cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis, which was related to the decreased TNF-α and interleukin-1β expressions. In conclusion, JGTT did not improve menopausal symptoms better than TTK itself. TTK itself prevented the OVX-induced impairments in energy, lipid, and glucose metabolism, similar to the positive control, without changing serum 17β-estradiol levels and potentiating insulin signaling and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines. TTK may be a useful intervention to alleviate some menopausal symptoms similar to selective estrogen receptor modulators and should be investigated with further human study. Impact statement Menopause decreases the quality of life in middle-aged women and herbal remedies are sometimes used as alternatives for hormone replacement therapy, which may have detrimental side effects. Although several herbal extracts have been studied, no remedies improve all the menopausal symptoms. In this study, the 70% ethanol extract of Tetragonia tetragonioides (Pall.) Kuntze (TTK) reduced the symptoms of hot flushes and improved energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism in estrogen-deficient animals without increasing serum 17β-estradiol levels. This extract acts like a selective estrogen receptor modulator and it may be a useful intervention for alleviating menopausal symptoms. This is the first study to show that the 70% ethanol extract of TTK has the potential to treat menopause-associated symptoms and metabolic disturbances. It may be a useful intervention for alleviating the symptoms of menopause in women if its efficacy can be confirmed in human studies.

Long-Term Supplementation of Microencapsulated ursodeoxycholic Acid Prevents Hypertension in a Mouse Model of Insulin Resistance.

Hypertension is a significant comorbidity associated with insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes. Limited evidence show that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has some anti-hypertensive effects. However, the potential effect of UDCA on hypertension induced by type-2 diabetic insulin resistance has not been reported. In C57Bl6 wild-type mice, insulin resistance was induced by the chronic ingestion of diet enriched in fat and fructose (HFF). HFF mice were randomized to treatment with UDCA or candersartan incorporated into the diet to achieve an ingested dose of approximately 70 mg/kg/day of UDCA or 3 mg/kg/day respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured with tail-cuff method. At 4 weeks of dietary treatment systolic and diastolic blood pressure were comparable in HFF and low-fat (LF) control mice. Co-administration of candesartan at 4 weeks significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, UDCA showed no anti-hypertensive effect at 4 weeks. At 24 weeks of dietary intervention, HFF fed mice had substantially elevated systolic blood pressure compared to LF controls. The provision of UDCA substantially attenuated the dietary HFF induced increase in systolic blood pressure concomitant with significantly lower plasma angiotensin II. The anti-hypertensive effect of UDCA in HFF mice was comparable to candesartan. The data suggests that long term supplementation of UDCA effectively lowers hypertension in a dietary induced model of type-2 diabetic insulin resistance.

The Effect Of Exercise In Gastrocnemius Muscle Alterations-induced By Obesity

In the management of obesity, exercise has been proposed as one of the first line strategies and skeletal muscle a key organ in energy expenditure. However, the role of exercise in biogenesis and oxidative stress, both key mechanisms in obesity development, remain unclear. PURPOSE: Analyze the effect of exercise on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress alterations-induced by obesity in gastrocnemius muscle. METHODS: Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n=24) were divided in two groups: a standard diet (SS, n=11) and a high-fat diet sedentary group (HS, n=13). Following 9 weeks of diet treatment, half of SS and HS group were engaged in an exercise program on treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days/week and 1hour/day (ST, n=5 and HT, n=7). Skeletal muscle oxidative damage markers (MDA and SH) and pro-oxidant signaling proteins (SIRT3 and P66shc) content were evaluated. The content of biogenesis-related proteins (Tfam and PGC-1α) and mitochondrial complex sub-units were also assessed. RESULTS:High-fat diet treatment (HT) induced an increase of thiol groups (0,041+0,003 vs. 0,031+0,003 mmol.mg protein-1, p<0.05), Sirt3 (161+19,99 vs. 100+33,01%, p<0.05), PGC-1α (195,4+41,04 vs. 100+28,57%, p<0.05) and complex III (195,70%+13,43 vs. 100+48,43%, p<0.05) content compared to SS. The HT animals showed a decreased Sirt3 (85,41+10,65 vs. 161+19,99%, p<0.05), PGC-1α (85,10+21,66 vs. 195,4+41,04%, p<0.05) and complex III content (99,35+18,39 vs. 195,7+13,43%, p<0.05) compared to HS, whereas complex IV was significantly increased (242,40+38,94 vs. 93,14+7,1%, p<0.05). No changes were observed in MDA levels or P66shc and Tfam content. CONCLUSIONS:Obesity might induce skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis as an attempt to increase fatty acid oxidation, ultimately contributing to ameliorate redox pressure. In turn, the increased expression of complex IV in HT group, might have contributed to improve the oxidation of mitochondrial substrates.

Dietary Lipid Type, Rather Than Total Number of Calories, Alters Outcomes of Enteric Infection in Mice.

Dietary lipids modulate immunity, yet the means by which specific fatty acids affect infectious disease susceptibility remains unclear. Deciphering lipid-induced immunity is critical to understanding the balance required for protecting against pathogens while avoiding chronic inflammatory diseases. To understand how specific lipids alter susceptibility to enteric infection, we fed mice isocaloric, high-fat diets composed of corn oil (rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids [n-6 PUFAs]), olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fatty acids), or milk fat (rich in saturated fatty acids) with or without fish oil (rich in n-3 PUFAs). After 5 weeks of dietary intervention, mice were challenged with Citrobacter rodentium, and pathological responses were assessed. Olive oil diets resulted in little colonic pathology associated with intestinal alkaline phosphatase, a mucosal defense factor that detoxifies lipopolysaccharide. In contrast, while both corn oil and milk fat diets resulted in inflammation-induced colonic damage, only milk fat induced compensatory protective responses, including short chain fatty acid production. Fish oil combined with milk fat, unlike unsaturated lipid diets, had a protective effect associated with intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. Overall, these results reveal that dietary lipid type, independent of the total number of calories associated with the dietary lipid, influences the susceptibility to enteric damage and the benefits of fish oil during infection.

Nutritional regulation of long-chain PUFA biosynthetic genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Most studies on dietary vegetable oil in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been conducted on a background of dietary EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3) contained in the fishmeal used as a protein source in aquaculture feed. If dietary EPA and DHA repress their endogenous synthesis from α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18 : 3n-3), then the potential of ALA-containing vegetable oils to maintain tissue EPA and DHA has been underestimated. We examined the effect of individual dietary n-3 PUFA on the expression of the biosynthetic genes required for metabolism of ALA to DHA in rainbow trout. A total of 720 juvenile rainbow trout were allocated to twenty-four experimental tanks and assigned one of eight diets. The effect of dietary ALA, EPA or DHA, in isolation or in combination, on hepatic expression of fatty acyl desaturase (FADS)2a(Δ6), FADS2b(Δ5), elongation of very long-chain fatty acid (ELOVL)5 and ELOVL2 was examined after 3 weeks of dietary intervention. The effect of these diets on liver and muscle phospholipid PUFA composition was also examined. The expression levels of FADS2a(Δ6), ELOVL5 and ELOVL2 were highest when diets were high in ALA, with no added EPA or DHA. Under these conditions ALA was readily converted to tissue DHA. Dietary DHA had the largest and most consistent effect in down-regulating the gene expression of all four genes. The ELOVL5 expression was the least responsive of the four genes to dietary n-3 PUFA changes. These findings should be considered when optimising aquaculture feeds containing vegetable oils and/or fish oil or fishmeal to achieve maximum DHA synthesis.

Can response to dietary restriction predict weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastroplasty?

To determine whether weight loss (WL) with 6 weeks of a low-calorie liquid diet as part of a behavioral program (LCDBP) predicts subsequent weight change in response to a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Of 4698 LCDBP patients, 403 went on to RYGB and 222 were evaluable. We determined correlations between percent WL (% WL) in 6 weeks of LCDBP with % WL at 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks after RYGB. There was a positive correlation between the slope of WL in the first 6 weeks of LCDBP and over 4 and 12 weeks after RYGB: r = 0.15 (CI = 0.003-0.285, P = 0.045) and r = 0.22 (CI = 0.08-0.35, P = 0.0017), respectively. The association was also apparent at 24 weeks in females but not in males. There was a statistically significant correlation between % WL at 26 weeks of LCDBP and 52 weeks postsurgery (r = 0.20, CI = 0.05-0.34, P = 0.01). Finally, % WL at 6 weeks also predicted % WL at 26 weeks of dietary intervention (r = 0.52, CI = 0.40-0.62, P = 2.40 × 10(-14) ). WL in response to 6 weeks of LCDBP is predictive of weight for at least 12 weeks following RYGB.

Effects of dispersal limitation in the face of intense selection via dietary intervention on the faecal microbiota of rats.

Four ecological processes mediate microbial diversity: selection, whereby host factors favour the persistence of particular microbial taxa; historical contingency, where differences in the timing and order of microbial acquisition results in different communities; stochastic factors that impact community assemblages; and dispersal limitation, where the presence of particular taxa is restricted by host population structure and local environmental factors. However, few studies have explored the impact of selection through diet modification on the differences in microbial community composition arising from dispersal limitation. At weaning, the faecal microbiota of 45 rats originating from six litters, as assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, was strongly correlated with an animal's litter membership. Following 14 weeks on one of three the experimental diets, the faecal microbiota of the rats were again characterized. Clear effects of diet on microbial community composition were observed. However, after 14 weeks of dietary intervention, the effect of litter membership on microbial community composition was still significant. Our results demonstrate that intense selection (diet manipulation) cannot completely eliminate differences in microbial communities that occurred as a consequence of dispersal limitation (litter membership) prior to selection. These results have clear implications for efforts that attempt to achieve positive health outcomes through diet manipulation.

The effect of a vegetarian versus conventional hypocaloric diet on serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background and aimsThe aim of this study was to explore the effect of a vegetarian versus conventional diet on the serum levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in patients with T2D after 12 weeks of dietary intervention and to assess their relationships with metabolic parameters. Methods and resultsMen and women with T2D were randomly assigned to follow either a vegetarian diet without fish or meat (n = 37) or an isocaloric conventional antidiabetic diet (n = 37). Both diets were energy restricted (minus 500 kcal/day). All foods were provided to the participants. At randomization (week 0) and 12 weeks, the meal test was performed to assess the β-cell function and serum levels of 24 POPs. Dioxins and dioxin-like POPs were analyzed by isotope dilution high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) and mass spectrometry after cleanup of the silica and carbon columns. Non-dioxin-like POPs were analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC–ECD). Statistical analyses used were repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), a multivariate regression model, and Pearson's correlations.We observed a statistically nonsignificant trend toward increases in the serum levels of most POPs in response to both hypocaloric diets with no differences between groups. In the groups combined, the change in serum concentrations of total POPs was correlated to changes in HbA1c (r = +0.34; p < 0.01), fasting plasma glucose (r = +0.41; p < 0.01) levels, and β-cell function measured as insulin secretion at a reference glucose level (r = −0.37; p < 0.01), independent of the changes in body weight and volume of visceral fat. ConclusionShort-term hypocaloric vegetarian and conventional diets did not reduce the POP levels, possibly due to mobilization of fat stores. Our findings support the relationship between POPs and diabetes, especially β-cell function. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00883038, completed.

Cheonggukjang, a soybean paste fermented with B. licheniformis-67 prevents weight gain and improves glycemic control in high fat diet induced obese mice.

In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of soybean paste—Cheonggukjang, fermented with poly gamma glutamic acid producing Bacillus licheniformis-67 in diet induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Forty male C57BL/6J mice aged 4 weeks were divided into four dietary groups; normal diet control, high fat diet control, high fat diet containing 30% of unfermented soybean and high fat diet containing 30% Cheonggukjang fermented with Bacillus licheniformis-67. After 13 weeks of dietary intervention the mice were sacrificed; serum and tissue samples were examined. Serum and hepatic lipid profile, blood glucose, insulin, leptin level were lower (<0.05) along with the body weight and epididymal fat pad weight in the 30% Cheonggukjang supplemented group compared with the high fat diet control group. The expression level of lipid anabolic gene was significantly decreased; whereas the expression level of lipid catabolic genes were significantly increased in the 30% Cheonggukjang supplemented group compared to the high fat diet control group. Collectively, these results suggested that intake of Cheonggukjang fermented with Bacillus licheniformis-67 significantly prevents obesity related parameters.

Exercise Training Improves Whole Body Insulin Resistance via Adiponectin Receptor 1.

Little is known regarding whether adiponectin receptors mediate high-intensity interval training (HIT)-induced improvement of insulin resistance associated with obesity. This study investigated the effect of HIT on whole body insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. 5-week-old male mice (N=30) were randomly assigned to standard chow (SC) (n=10) or HFD (n=20) for 23 weeks. After 15 weeks of dietary treatment, the HFD mice were further assigned to HFD (n=10) or HFD plus HIT (HFD+HIT, n=10). The HFD+HIT mice were subjected to HIT during the last 8 weeks of the 23-week HFD course. HFD resulted in whole body insulin resistance, hypoadiponectinemia, suppressed expression of adiponectin receptor 1(AdipoR1) and 2 (AdipoR2), suppressed expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), and decreased mRNAs of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), and acyl CoA oxidase (ACO) in skeletal muscle. In contrast, HIT alleviated whole body insulin resistance and prevented decreased levels of total adiponectin in both serum and adipose tissue. HIT also prevented the down-regulation of AdipoR1 and AMPK/SIRT1 proteins and the down-regulation of PPARα, CPT1, and ACO mRNAs. The current findings show that HIT alleviates whole body insulin resistance due to HFD-induced obesity via the AdipoR1 and AMPK/SIRT1 mediated-signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, implying the potential role of HIT to combat this metabolic condition.

An Okinawan-based Nordic diet improves anthropometry, metabolic control, and health-related quality of life in Scandinavian patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot trial

BackgroundOur hypothesis was that a modified diet would improve blood glucose control with beneficial impact on weight management and overall health in established diabetes.ObjectiveThis prospective interventional study investigated the clinical effect of an Okinawan-based Nordic diet on anthropometry, metabolic control, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Scandinavian type 2 diabetes patients.DesignFood was prepared and delivered to 30 type 2 diabetes patients. Clinical information along with data on HRQoL, blood samples, and urine samples were collected during 12 weeks of diet interventions, with follow-up 16 weeks after diet completion.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of dietary intervention, a reduction in body weight (7%) (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), and waist circumference (7.0 cm) (p<0.001) was seen. Improved levels of proinsulin (p=0.005), insulin (p=0.011), and fasting plasma glucose (p<0.001) were found already after 2 weeks; these improved levels remained after 12 weeks when lowered levels of C-peptide (p=0.015), triglycerides (p=0.009), total cholesterol (p=0.001), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.041) were also observed. Insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance was lowered throughout the study, with a 20% reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels (p<0.001) at week 12, despite reduced anti-diabetes treatment. Lowered systolic blood pressure (9.6 mmHg) (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (2.7 mmHg) (p<0.001), and heart and respiratory rates (p<0.001) were accompanied by decreased cortisol levels (p=0.015) and improvement in HRQoL. At follow-up, increased levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were found (p=0.003).ConclusionThis interventional study demonstrates a considerable improvement of anthropometric and metabolic parameters and HRQoL in Scandinavian type 2 diabetes patients when introducing a modified Okinawan-based Nordic diet, independently of exercise or other interventions. Through these dietary changes, anti-diabetes treatment could be decreased or cancelled.

Effects of feed supplementation with various zinc sources on mineral concentration and selected antioxidant indices in tissues and plasma of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of organic dietary zinc (Zn) sources and zinc sulphate on mineral deposition, activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and copper/zinc SOD in tissues of broiler chickens. The performance indicators and lipid peroxidation by measuring the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in tissues and plasma were also evaluated. Broilers were assigned to 4 treatment groups, each replicated × 6, with 9 birds per replicate. The control group was fed conventional basal diet (BD); the three other groups received identical BD supplemented with 120 mg Zn/kg in the form of zinc sulphate, zinc chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn-Gly), and zinc proteinate (Zn-Pro), respectively. After 5 weeks of dietary treatment, feed supplementation with Zn sulphate resulted in significantly higher average daily weight gain and final body weight, as well as improved feed conversion ratio compared to the Zn-Gly group. Intake of Zn-Pro significantly increased SOD activity (P &lt; 0.05) in erythrocytes and lipid peroxidation (P &lt; 0.01) in plasma. Activities of total SOD and Cu/Zn SOD in liver and kidney were not affected by Zn supplementation. Addition of Zn supplements to broiler diets did not influence concentrations of zinc, manganese and copper in plasma, liver, kidney or breast muscle, with the exception of Zn deposition in the liver being significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the Zn-Pro supplemented group. Results of our study show that organic zinc sources have effects comparable to inorganic zinc sulphate in broilers fed diets containing a higher Zn content.

Rice Cakes Containing Dietary Fiber Supplemented with or without Artemisia Annua and Gynura Procumbens Merr. Alleviated the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome.

We investigated whether the consumption of Korean rice cakes enriched with dietary fiber with or without polyphenol rich plants might decrease the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Rice cakes were manufactured using fructooligosaccharides, resistant starch, and psyllium as sources of dietary fibers with and without polyphenol rich Artemisia annua and Gynura procumbens Merr. (RC+FP and RC+F, respectively), and prepared in three forms (songpyeon, seolgidduk, and chaldduk). Ninety subjects with at least one MetS risk factor were recruited for 6 weeks of dietary intervention. Sixty subjects were finally included for the analysis. Compared to the initial values, RC+FP group had decreased levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA-IR and blood pressure after 6 weeks, whereas RC+F group didn't have significant changes in them. Regarding the improvement of individual MetS risk factors, RC+FP group showed significant reduction in FBG and blood pressures but RC+F group only had reduction in systolic blood pressure. After the intervention, a reduction in the number of MetS risk factors was greatert in the RC+FP group than in the RC+F group. In conclusion, Dietary fiber enriched rice cakes with or without polyphenols decreased the number and/or the levels of MetS risk factors. Polyphenol rich plant components may provide additional health benefits in controlling FBG and blood pressure.

Constitutive active/androstane receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, and cytotoxicity are involved in oxadiazon-induced liver tumor development in mice

Oxadiazon (OX) is a protoporphyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting herbicide that induces porphyria and liver tumors in rodents. Although porphyria is generally considered to be a risk factor for liver tumor development, the mechanisms through which OX mediates tumor development are unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the mechanisms of tumor development by focusing on constitutive active/androstane receptor (CAR), which is essential for the development of tumors in response to several chemicals. After 1, 4, or 13 weeks of dietary treatment with 1000 ppm OX, hepatic Cyp2b10 expression was induced in wild-type (WT) mice. However, this effect was blocked in CAR-knockout (CARKO) mice. Hepatic Cyp4a10 expression, indicative of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation, and cytotoxic changes in hepatocytes were also observed in both groups of mice. After initiation by diethylnitrosamine, 26-week treatment with OX resulted in an increase in proliferative lesions, including foci and adenomas, in both genotypes, and the incidence and multiplicity of proliferative lesions in CARKO mice were higher than those in control mice but lower than those in WT mice. These results suggested that CAR, PPARα activation, and cytotoxicity were involved in the development of liver tumors. Moreover, porphyrin was not apparently involved in OX-induced tumor development.

Large Neutral Amino Acid Supplementation Exerts Its Effect through Three Synergistic Mechanisms: Proof of Principle in Phenylketonuria Mice.

BackgroundPhenylketonuria (PKU) was the first disorder in which severe neurocognitive dysfunction could be prevented by dietary treatment. However, despite this effect, neuropsychological outcome in PKU still remains suboptimal and the phenylalanine-restricted diet is very demanding. To improve neuropsychological outcome and relieve the dietary restrictions for PKU patients, supplementation of large neutral amino acids (LNAA) is suggested as alternative treatment strategy that might correct all brain biochemical disturbances caused by high blood phenylalanine, and thereby improve neurocognitive functioning.ObjectiveAs a proof-of-principle, this study aimed to investigate all hypothesized biochemical treatment objectives of LNAA supplementation (normalizing brain phenylalanine, non-phenylalanine LNAA, and monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations) in PKU mice.MethodsC57Bl/6 Pah-enu2 (PKU) mice and wild-type mice received a LNAA supplemented diet, an isonitrogenic/isocaloric high-protein control diet, or normal chow. After six weeks of dietary treatment, blood and brain amino acid and monoaminergic neurotransmitter concentrations were assessed.ResultsIn PKU mice, the investigated LNAA supplementation regimen significantly reduced blood and brain phenylalanine concentrations by 33% and 26%, respectively, compared to normal chow (p<0.01), while alleviating brain deficiencies of some but not all supplemented LNAA. Moreover, LNAA supplementation in PKU mice significantly increased brain serotonin and norepinephrine concentrations from 35% to 71% and from 57% to 86% of wild-type concentrations (p<0.01), respectively, but not brain dopamine concentrations (p = 0.307).ConclusionsThis study shows that LNAA supplementation without dietary phenylalanine restriction in PKU mice improves brain biochemistry through all three hypothesized biochemical mechanisms. Thereby, these data provide proof-of-concept for LNAA supplementation as a valuable alternative dietary treatment strategy in PKU. Based on these results, LNAA treatment should be further optimized for clinical application with regard to the composition and dose of the LNAA supplement, taking into account all three working mechanisms of LNAA treatment.